In Colossians chapter three, we find timeless principles concerning the pursuit of excellence.
The Quest for Excellence
by Jeff Caudill
Scripture commands us to do all things well, with excellence, to the best of our abilities. That applies to every believer, no matter the vocation. Excellence is the goal for all of life. As a believer, God calls us to a higher standard. It is never okay to be mediocre. It is never okay just to get by. Often we ask, “What is the least I can do?” rather than “How can I best accomplish this task?”
In Colossians 3:17-25, when addressing masters and servants, Paul provided lasting principles for excellence that can be applied to current day employers and employees.
Why Strive for Excellence?
First, we are commanded to strive for excellence. Paul does not say “Consider doing this” or “You might think about doing this.” In verses 17 and 23, He simply instructs us to do it. Period. Whatsoever you do...do all. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily. These commands place great emphasis on the word do? God commands us to do what we do with excellence. He expects and accepts only our best. He is not pleased with anything less.
Second, we should strive for excellence because we serve God. We work for Him. We do not do what we do for self, family, church, or employer. It is for Him! Sometimes we forget whom we serve. Again, the passage speaks clearly. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (verse 17)…As to the Lord, and not unto men (verse 23). And verse 24 removes any lingering doubt: For ye serve the Lord Christ. We must never forget whom we serve. How far would our level of excellence rise if every effort were done “as to the Lord?”
Third, we should strive for excellence because we are grateful to God. Verse 17 emphasizes this principle. Our work provides an opportunity to show Him how thankful we are for what He has done for us. He provided for our salvation. He gave us the abilities to do what we do. He gives us opportunities to serve. He provides our very existence. We owe Him everything. We owe Him our best.
The level of excellence we display is directly related to our level of gratefulness to Him. Giving less than our best demonstrates an ungrateful spirit.
How Can We Achieve Excellence in the Workplace?
Be Present. Show up. Be where you are supposed to be at the time you are supposed to be there. Forgetful, busy, or late is simply not good enough. While this may seem a bit “old school” to some, I think it is a crucial ingredient of excellence.
Arriving at work less than 100% or obviously wishing to be elsewhere says something about whom you really work for. Arriving on time is a good indicator that you are giving your best. Punctual workers arrive early enough so they actually start working at the scheduled time. In the secular workplace, excellence in this area sets an example for those who are not believers.
Sadly, those working in a Christian environment are sometimes the worst offenders in this area. Their Christian supervisors are more lenient, and employees take advantage of the leniency. Be at work when scheduled and be ready to work with excellence.
Be Prepared. If you work in ministry, it is essential to prepare in order to provide something fresh and relevant to those to whom you minister. Work hard on sermons, lessons, presentations, and projects, no matter the setting. Give your best to even the most mundane tasks. Ensure that you get the proper rest so you are ready to work. Constantly seek ways to improve.
Remember, however, this is not about you, but about the God you serve. Excellence should flow out of who we are as Christians, but more importantly, out the nature of the One we serve.
Be Positive. Do not take the easy path of negativity. We so easily gravitate toward the negative. Be positive about your work or ministry. Do not participate in negative talk. A person striving for excellence will both look for and promote the best in everything. Strive for an attitude that is positive. It will make any situation better. Remember, a positive attitude, especially in negative circumstances, points people to Christ.
Be Passionate. Avoid “going through the motions.” The Apostle Paul challenged his readers to “do it heartily.” We should work from the heart. This is especially important for those in Christian ministry. I am always amazed to think that God selected me to accomplish His work. I am humbled that God could use me in His service. In spite of our weaknesses, occasional lack of devotion, and our bent toward sin, God calls us into His service. He is counting on us to get the job done.
Excellence in the workplace has been a goal of mine for many years. I strive (not always successfully) to exemplify excellence before those with whom I work, and I expect excellence from the individuals I supervise.
Striving for excellence important for all Christians, both at work and beyond. The passage we examined used the word whatsoever twice. God is imploring us to make excellence our goal in everything we do—a lifelong quest for the very best.
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