excellence

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

So, you want to change the world?

How best could you make that happen?

The Book of Proverbs has many tidbits of common sense and wisdom which when exercised leads to an impactful life. So, if you want to influence the culture around you, improve the lives of those near you, or simply have a larger platform to share your thoughts and ideas, just become good at what you do.

The concept is easy to understand, but takes the high road of character development to build the discipline and skill set to master. But when you develop the competency in your work where you become the teacher and authority of your subject, the world will eventually take notice.

For example, I dropped off my bicycle to be repaired this week. I have used the same shop for the last 5 or 6 years. There are other shops closer and less expensive, but I choose this shop owner because of his knowledge and skill-set of repairing bicycles. The person worked for one of the largest bike shops in the country for over 15 years and then decided to open his own business. He loves bikes and his work shows his love. He treats each bike as his own and answers my questions in a way that I can easily understand. He is very competent in his work.

Back in Jesus time, a world without today’s social media, HE became known through his work. He was a super Rabbi. He spoke the Scriptures with authority and in ways that amazed the people. He walked the talk. He healed the sick. He judged with mercy and discretion where people from the far right and far left felt accepted by Him. He was known throughout the land by the common person and the leaders of religion and government. In other words, he was very good at what he did.

And you can do the same.

When you align your natural abilities with the accumulation of your specific field of knowledge, and reach a point of understanding all the finer details where you can quickly apply the wisdom to better serve others, you will be noticed. Why?

Because most people are lazy and don’t apply themselves. Or they take shortcuts to master the material. For example, many students learn the one concept taught by their professors and repeat the same words. There is no depth or constructive value in their work. They are parrots repeating the same jargon without fully understanding all the implications.

We see this within the religious community where every question is answered the same way. You can have twenty people answer the same question with the same verbiage. But the competent one, who has taken the time to fully learn and apply the Scripture, will answer the question in their own words and present the material in a way that allows the recipient to understand in their world of experience. This separates the student from the teacher.

If someone needs their bike repaired, I will easily recommend my person. You probably can say the same for those few certain people whose services you repeatedly use even though they may cost a few dollars more. What do they most likely all have in common?

I bet they are very competent in what they do. And you can do the same.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360!
Author of e-Books:

* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married

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“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh”? Gal. 3:3 ESV

Human perfectionism is an illusion. Those who strive to be perfect through their own efforts typically are covering up some fear, shame or hidden lie about themselves. Chasing perfection gives them a sense of control and makes them feel good about themselves. The truth be told though, the cost far exceeds the return of time and effort in the process. Like religion, perfectionism only covers the surface to make one feel good about themselves but never gets to the root of the problem.

If you or someone you know seeks perfection, pray for them to see, learn, and integrate what Paul writes about in Galatians. Through human effort, perfection only covers the problem. It never solves the internal hole that binds the person within perfection’s grip. The only long lasting solution is allowing the Holy Spirit to complete His work in you.

Yet Jesus did say that we should strive for perfection (Matt. 5:48). He stated that we should become perfect like our heavenly Father is perfect. However, the perfection he spoke about is built on the foundation of the Holy Spirit. It involves a renovation of the heart. A change of heart and mind focused on His work. He didn’t expect us to become perfect apart from the help he promised us.

His desire is that our character become like His. That by abiding in him he morphs his character into us. We become perfect not by our personal efforts, but by walking and living with him.

If you struggle with perfectionism, start by asking God to change your thinking of how perfection looks like and its fruitlessness. Then, instead of pursuing perfection, chase after excellence. You will find that perfection robs you of time, money, and relationships. On the other hand, excellence is about being effective. Perfection is expecting more than your best. Excellence is giving your best. Perfection is denying your humanity. Excellence is about taking your limitations and resources into consideration. Perfectionism seeks to glorify the self. Excellence glorifies God. Perfectionism leads to relational failure. Excellence leads to success.

Wherever you are in your journey with Jesus, stay focused in him, with him, and through him. He will via the Holy Spirit lead you to experience the freedom we have in him. Remember, perfectionism is slavery to a lie; instead let’s always pursue excellence in Christ.

Rooting For You in Christ!