In the last 2 weeks, we have been
considering biblical perspectives of striving for excellence. This week, we
will look at one further point under this important subject.
2. While
striving for excellence, have a disposition that views excellence as a direction
and not a final destination.
I sometimes meet people who behave like
there is nothing better they could aspire for. In colloquial terms, they
believe they have “arrived”. Perhaps they have achieved some “success” in some
way and so they settle in as if they are at a final destination without
recognizing that there is more that God would want them to abound in. Contrary
to this view, the Holy Scriptures paint a different picture to us as lucidly
expressed by the Apostle Paul:
“Not
that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but
I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…one
thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I
press on…” Philippians 3:12-14 New International Version
This means that while we are on this side
of eternity, our perspective ought to be one of desiring to be better.
Again, it is understandable that all of
us desire success, we all want to be successful in our different endeavors and
quite often, we are only fully focused on striving for success. However, the
biblical perspective for life is one in which we are enjoined to focus on
excellence which then brings success. To say this in a different way, we ought
to focus on the process to be assured of the right product.
This is the point made in Proverbs 22:29
“Do
you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He
will not stand in the presence of unknown men.” Holman Christian Standard Bible
The implication of this proverb is that
anyone who desires to stand in the presence of kings should strive to become
skilled in his work. So dear friends, rather than focus on success and
promotion, focus on excellence. When we strive for excellence, success and
promotion are inevitable. It would only be a matter of time.
I have studied the lives of some
interesting characters in the Old Testament. Joseph and Daniel for example
stand out as men of faith who were successful in pagan societies. What I have
found very striking is that these 2 men did not display any “crazy” pursuit of
success but they were focused on excellence. It was their excellence that
brought them success.
So remember, you have not “arrived”. You
are not at your final destination yet. Focus on the process (excellence) and
then the product (success) is assured. Go on striving for excellence and God
will bless the endeavor with success.
To
be continued…
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