THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCELLENCE

Do you remember in primary school seeing your teacher writing the word ‘excellent' in some children's books? Did you ever ask yourself what this word meant?  Well, excellence means being outstanding or extremely good.

Achieving excellence is not an easy thing to do. It is, however, a value that we should all seek to cultivate. God has given us specific tasks to do, and he requires that we do them well. To find an excellent employee in our country today is rare, as not many people realize the importance of doing things to the best of our ability.

God has called the Christian to a life of excellence. The perfect nature of our Father would require nothing less.  Let us look at why a life of excellence is important.

1.      Excellence pleases God.

God's perfect nature is a good example for us. Everything he does portrays excellence. Think about the creation process. When he finished, he looked at his work and was pleased with the outcome.

Genesis 1:31 "Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!" (NLT)

If we strive to perform all tasks he has given us to the best of our ability, he will be pleased. Remember, we are his servants. Our aim should be to please him in all that we do.

2 Corinthians 5:9 "So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him." (NLT)

2.      Excellence earns a reward.

Most companies have a reward system. If you do a great job during the year, you get a bonus at the end of it. God also has a reward system. His rewards may not always be monetary, or immediate. You can, however, be sure that he will reward you for doing your best.

Galatians 6:9 "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (NLT)

Excellent work always receives a blessing. The blessing may not come immediately, but if we are patient, we will receive it. That is how God's reward system works.

Colossians 3:23-24 "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." (NLT)

We need to work with willing hearts, to please both our earthly employers and Christ. If we work in a way that pleases God, we will receive an inheritance.

3.      Excellence earns the recognition of people in authority.

Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people."  (NLT)

Who would you rather work for, a king or an ordinary person? Working for a king would be better. We can compare working for kings to working for well-established companies, or people in high leadership positions in society. To get there, one has to do whatever little tasks they have perfectly so that God can open the door to bigger ones. In Luke 16:10, Jesus had this to say on the topic.

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." (NLT)

If you are aspiring to rise in your career or get a better job, work with excellence at your present job. God will see your faithfulness and reward you. Remember, people in positions of authority are always looking for people to mentor. Let the excellent nature of your work stand out, and you will get the opportunities you deserve.

4.      Excellence leads to leadership roles.

The way we do our work has a direct impact on how society views us. The person who works hard and does his job well always receives praise and the lazy person receives ridicule. Note that you cannot be lazy and work with excellence; the two do not go hand in hand. The following verse describes the results of working hard.

Proverbs 12:24 "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave."  (NLT)

Doing your work well and with excellence will put you ahead of everyone else, making you a leader. Your peers will look up to you and even seek your advice. They will view you as their leader and mentor. Your employer will take note of how well you do your work and give you more leadership roles and responsibilities. Being lazy, however, puts you at the bottom of the pack, making you a slave.

5.      Excellence gives you personal satisfaction.

When God finished the creation process, he was pleased with his work.  The same should apply to all of us. When you do a GREAT job, to be the best of your ability, don't you feel good? It is always exciting when you achieve your personal goals. We should all have the goal of doing everything with excellence.

Gal 6:4 "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." (NLT)

Personal satisfaction in your work will build your confidence and give you the drive to keep excelling in all that you do.

6.      Excellence brings glory to God.

To bring glory to God is to bring honor, credit, and praise to him. When people look at how you do your tasks with excellence, they give credit to God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (NLT)

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (NLT)

People will want to know more about the God who motivates you to do your best. An individual who does things with excellence will always attract people. As a result, you will have a perfect opportunity to share your faith in Christ with your peers and colleagues, having already won their respect and admiration.

Titus 2:7 "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (NLT)

Excellence is a virtue that each one of us should practise in our daily lives. Every little task needs to be done well because that is what God requires and expects of us. Excellence should be part of our lifestyle.

In conclusion, on those days when you need a little push to do your best, meditate on these words.

Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (NLT)