Aim for Excellence!
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also (2 Corinthians 8:7, ESV)
For Insight
My husband and I were having a conversation about aiming for excellence in our lives and respective fields and how this kind of commitment to excellence could impact what we do daily: him, as a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, counselor, and teacher, and myself as a wife, mother, grandmother, counselor, writer, teacher. Discussing the difference this one intentional focus each day could make as we approach each task, conversation, relationship, and activity.
We can see how Paul’s encouragement to believers to live and give of themselves generously; not sparing anything but aiming for excellence was tantamount to their success in every aspect of life. Think of the ways you might bring excellence to your marriage or relationship to that significant person in your life. Maybe a fitting question might be are you currently bringing excellence or just enough to get by? Is there excellence in your parenting? Your grandparenting? What about in your work; that 9-5 that pays the bills? Even if you are not crazy about it; do you still display and put forth excellence? What about in your studies? I see my husband striving to do things excellently in his pastoring, his preaching and teaching and I am always striving to bring excellence to my counseling, teaching, and writing.
The excellent life glorifies God. Excellence does not mean perfection, for we all fall short of the glory of God, but it means we are putting forth our very best and not holding anything back trusting God to increase and lift all we do to that standard of excellence. By the grace of God, we don’t even have to be physically well or absent of health issues to strive for excellence. Excellence does not need wealth, or having the highest degree, but from where you are daily striving for excellence. Paul mentions excellence in extending grace to others which does not cost us anything at all. Even the sick or poor can be gracious, kind, and loving. God through Christ Jesus has made sure each one of us could aim for and achieve a life of excellence.
Praying 2 Corinthians 8:7
Jesus, everything You did was done in excellence. You did not hold anything back but always brought Your “A” game! You didn’t look for excuses or plead how difficulties, challenges, persecution, or enemies kept You from excellent but performed to the highest standard of the Father always. Thank You for Your example and may we follow suit! Amen.
Prayer Challenge
What relationship or activity is it difficult or challenging to show excellence? Ask God to help you overcome whatever keeps you from excellence in that area or with that person.
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 