Be Excellent in Christ!

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with a very wise man whom I consider one of my mentors (indirectly). We were talking about my school life and projects and I was sharing how after many disappointments in school, I had grown to be become accustomed to average results. I shared that I had come to a point where results did not matter to me anymore. All I wanted was to pass. My rationale was this: Each time I scrapped through, I asked myself if I was capable of doing better. I was not satisfied with scrapping though but each time, I was not able to do better. So, instead of feeling lousy all the time, I convinced myself that results didn't matter.

I was right. Results did not determine my worth in God or to the family. I was still loved and treasured and valued. However, my understanding was only one side of the coin. That very wise man said to me (paraphrased), "Joshua, I have a problem with that statement. While results do not determine your worth in God, they MATTER because they are a reflection of how much you have learnt and do show your understanding and skill level in the subject." He went on to encourage me to aim for excellence in my studies.

Yes, results DO matter! As Christians, we need to be good stewards of the giftings and talents that God has given us and shine for Him in every possible situation! I like very much this quote from Nelson Mandela.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us... And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Let's be spurred on to be excellent for God in all we do. Our God is a God not just over our ministry but over out entire life and our entire being. And as 2 Cor 2:14 so boldly pronounces, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

Can we not trust God that victory will be granted even in our work and school and family life? Yes we can! Pray that into your life today!