Excellence

No one stands in line for average. It is true. I have lived for 5 decades now and I can honestly say…average doesn’t attract the masses. I have lived in Columbia, SC, for 30 years now, more than half my life so far, and it wasn’t until recently, very recently, that I have ever heard anyone, including my husband, speak of women’s basketball at the University of South Carolina…his alma mater.

Yes, I went to Clemson, but have lived two miles from the USC campus for 14 years. I have operated on a daily basis all around the university and have never, until very recently, heard about nor seen lines of people waiting to watch USC women’s basketball. Why? Because until recently, they haven’t been Excellent. Yes, it has been amazing to watch, listen and witness the excitement and enthusiasm of Carolina fans over their women’s basketball team.

I would agree that Excellent is a great way to describe what has been going on over at USC in the women’s basketball program. I love watching the reports on where the program was years ago and where it is today. It is now called a program of EXCELLENCE!

It tells me that one person can make a difference in our world
in their community
in their corner of the world
with…
their outlook,
their vision,
their work ethic,
with their talents and gifts,
their personal experience
…if they possess a personal commitment to Excellence.

Excellence is what God requires of us. Make sure you don’t confuse perfection with excellence. They are not the same. Make sure as well that you don’t confuse man’s praise of excellence with God’s praise of excellence.

Excellence is what Ecclesiastes 9:10 describes as “Whatever your hand finds to do verily, do it with all your might….” Or in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” And in 1 Corinthians 9:24, “….run in such a way to get the prize.” Philippians 4:8 even instructs us to THINK on things that are excellent…”finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is admirable—-if anything is EXCELLENT or praiseworthy–THINK about such things.”

God’s Word is a powerful tool for living a life of significance. Too many times…we either don’t read it…or if we do…somehow we don’t think it applies to us ……or, we are seeking our own way.

My friends…I encourage you…anyone can lead a life of excellence. It isn’t defined by the world. It is defined by God. Our mindset has to be that of surrendering our will to His and allowing Him to direct us. It is there where we can operate, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and live a life of excellence. Seek the Lord for His definition of excellence in YOUR life. One last reminder that is an absolute–you have to think on those things that lead to….Excellence.

I find this quote by Steve Jobs to be interesting. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

Go be excellent today.

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