Art comes from the man, not the material. The man of mastery, of genius, not only meets but exceeds the standards of excellence; he sets higher standards, opens new ground, and that man is an artist be he writer, painter, grave digger, bull-fighter or bronc rider.”
–William Crawford (The Bronc Rider)
“But just as you excel in everything, in faith, speaking, knowledge, and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you also excel in this gracious work.”
–2 Corinthians 8:7 (NASB)
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When I taught my classes, I wanted my students to excel. What that means is that I wanted them to work to the best of their abilities. Not perfection, for that is impossible, but excellence within their capacity. It thrilled me to see someone go beyond expectation. If they did what was required of them to the best of their ability they were a success in my mind. I often think of John Wooden’s definition of success: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
God gives us opportunities to excel for His glory. He wants us to be successful in life and in our endeavors. However, the key is to work for His glory, for the Kingdom of God, and not for selfish reasons or vainglory. Paul tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (Philippians 2:3, NKJV) I like the way J.B. Phillips translates the first part of this verse, “Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity…”
To excel for Christ we must use our abilities, gifts, and talents appropriately. Never waste what has been given to us, never boast about what we are doing for the kingdom, but go onward and upward with a steadfastness that makes sure the job gets done and Christ receives the glory. To hide our talents and gifts is a sin. To deny them might even be worse. We are to face life with the assuredness that God is with us. Chaplain John R. Ellis states, “We have two ways of facing life: the way of fear and the way of faith. Life consists of a long series of problems that require decisions–both personal and professional.” To meet those problems and to do it properly we must train, and use the gifts/talents that we have been given.
I recall the story of the spies sent into Canaan by Moses. They saw the land, the difficulties, the problems that might lie ahead. You know the story, ten came back in fear, doubting their ability and more important doubting their God. Two men understood–Joshua and Caleb. “Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.'” (Numbers 13:30, NKJV) They understood what it would mean. They knew that to take the land they would have to excel, but they also understood that God would go with them.
Each of us, when problems arise, have the ability to find a satisfactory solution. Sometimes that solution is within us because of the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given us. Sometimes we must reach out to Him for a solution for it is beyond our ability. Either way–there is a solution. Someone rightly said, “There are no problems. There are only opportunities to excel!” With God on our side, let us continue the daily walk with Him looking for ways to use our God-given abilities to excel for His glory.
“But just as you excel in everything, in faith, speaking, knowledge, and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you also excel in this gracious work.”
–2 Corinthians 8:7 (NASB)
——————————-
When I taught my classes, I wanted my students to excel. What that means is that I wanted them to work to the best of their abilities. Not perfection, for that is impossible, but excellence within their capacity. It thrilled me to see someone go beyond expectation. If they did what was required of them to the best of their ability they were a success in my mind. I often think of John Wooden’s definition of success: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
God gives us opportunities to excel for His glory. He wants us to be successful in life and in our endeavors. However, the key is to work for His glory, for the Kingdom of God, and not for selfish reasons or vainglory. Paul tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (Philippians 2:3, NKJV) I like the way J.B. Phillips translates the first part of this verse, “Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity…”
To excel for Christ we must use our abilities, gifts, and talents appropriately. Never waste what has been given to us, never boast about what we are doing for the kingdom, but go onward and upward with a steadfastness that makes sure the job gets done and Christ receives the glory. To hide our talents and gifts is a sin. To deny them might even be worse. We are to face life with the assuredness that God is with us. Chaplain John R. Ellis states, “We have two ways of facing life: the way of fear and the way of faith. Life consists of a long series of problems that require decisions–both personal and professional.” To meet those problems and to do it properly we must train, and use the gifts/talents that we have been given.
I recall the story of the spies sent into Canaan by Moses. They saw the land, the difficulties, the problems that might lie ahead. You know the story, ten came back in fear, doubting their ability and more important doubting their God. Two men understood–Joshua and Caleb. “Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.'” (Numbers 13:30, NKJV) They understood what it would mean. They knew that to take the land they would have to excel, but they also understood that God would go with them.
Each of us, when problems arise, have the ability to find a satisfactory solution. Sometimes that solution is within us because of the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given us. Sometimes we must reach out to Him for a solution for it is beyond our ability. Either way–there is a solution. Someone rightly said, “There are no problems. There are only opportunities to excel!” With God on our side, let us continue the daily walk with Him looking for ways to use our God-given abilities to excel for His glory.