On Excelling
What’s the point of not doing your best? What’s the point of not trying to get better?
Scripture has some choice words about being a sluggard. Check out Proverbs 6:9-11.
There are two schools of thought. One says to work hard on your weaknesses to minimize them. The other says to work hard on your strengths to maximize them.
Why not both?
Sure, you will only ever get so strong in an area of weakness. There are some areas of ministry in which you will always struggle. But to whatever degree you can minimize that weakness your ministry will be the more significant for it.
Other areas of ministry will come easily for you. You seem to be naturally good at them. Do not rest on that natural ability; rather, through continued effort make those areas points of excellence.
Like so many other issues, the key is balance. Regularly spend time sorting out areas of weakness and strength. Figure out a strategic allotment of time and resources to minimize the one and maximize the other for excellence in ministry.
Keep in mind that excellence is developed incrementally. Doing just a little better on a number of things over a long period of time will lead you to it. Take to heart a book title I have mentioned in an earlier note, It Takes So Little to Be Above Average. Isn’t that right? Do just a little more. Gut it out just a little longer. Put on just a little more spit and polish. Practice it one more time.
In your zeal to be better watch the competition. The real idea here is not about being better than another. It is, corny as it sounds, to be the best you can be. I heard this somewhere. “Don’t worry about being the best in the world; be the best for the world.”
Watch also for pride. It is a deadly, destructive sin. Most tragic figures in literature were undone by an area of excellence. Many a leading churchman and congregation have been undone by pride.
Hone your gift mix toward excellence. It is God’s gift to you, a sacred trust, an edification tool for the Church. This will speed you toward significance.