What does it mean to choose excellence, and how do we get there? The word excellent is defined as extremely good or outstanding. Our spiritual lives should not be the exception. We should pursue godliness greater than anything else. We put much effort into being the very best at things that have no eternal value and little into being the best we can be for God. It is important that we do all we do to the best of our ability because all we do is a reflection on Christ. However, I’m afraid that in most of what we do, we never think about the spiritual impact it will have. Scripture is full of commands to seek excellence.
The path to excellence begins with doing something good or well. When we first begin to do a task, it usually takes several tries to become good at it. Then, we work on getting better until we achieve our best. Excellence is exceeding expectations and seeking to improve on our best.
In Ecclesiastes 9:10, God instructs us to do whatever we do with all our might. We are to work, putting our best efforts forward with purpose. It also reminds us that the grave is coming. Therefore, if we want to make an impact, we must do it now.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
Philippians 1:9-10 also teaches us to seek and distinguish what is excellent. To approve means to try something or test it and see if it measures up to the excellent quality that a Christian should attain.
Philippians 1:9-10 “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ;”
In Matthew 22:37, we are to love God with all our heart, and in I Corinthians 10:31, we are to do all that we do to the glory of God. There is no way we can love God with all our hearts without giving our best. Seeking to love God in a way that would be measured as excellent. Everything we do is to be measured by its ability to honor God, to glorify Him. Sloppy actions and attitudes do not represent what would glorify Him. I Corinthians 10:31 is a mindset of seeking excellence in everything we do.
Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
The pursuit of excellence is never a matter of simply choosing between what is good or bad. It is also not done to show ourselves as superior to anyone else. If we are not careful, we will start with the right motives but end with pride in what we have accomplished. Instead of becoming mature believers, we will become immature people, seeking to prove our own self-worth. When we seek excellence to please our Savior, it will humble us because we must see our failures to improve them. To seek what is best should equip us to continue to pursue to be what God has designed us to be. His design is for us to conform to His Son’s image.
When we are seeking excellence, we are changing from the inside out. Inward character changes to think godly. It changes who we are one quest at a time. Our heart melts when we think of what God has done for us, and we understand that the prize of pleasing Him is worth the effort. This inward change changes the outward person. When our character changes our attitude changes, therefore, our actions change. Our quest for excellence is noted by those around us, and we begin to have a godly effect on them.
This quest is pursuing and doing the best we can with the gifts and abilities God has given us to bring glory to Him. It is not done to compete, be noticed, or keep score on ourselves. It is doing the common everyday things to the very best of our abilities as we allow Christ to work in us and through us. It doesn’t matter if anyone but God sees what we have done. It is all for Him.
Excellent