Core Values #4

EXCELLENCE: We strive for excellence in all we do.  Philippians 4:8 lists things that we should think about. If anything is "excellent or praiseworthy," think on these things. Ecclesiastes 10:10 is one of my favorite passages of the Bible. "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success." In Psalm 78:72 David is commended for leading the people with "skillful hands."

When we work for God, the work must be done with excellence. But, what is the definition of excellence? In our culture, excellence is often promoted in a prideful and competitive way that honors money, building, and position rather than the things that God is more concerned with. Here is how we define excellence:

1. We must be excellent in relationships. First with God, then with others. If our steps toward excellence put relationships second then we are out of balance.

2. We must be excellent in purity. If our culture defines the terms excellent, modern, contemporary or beautiful in any way that is opposed to the holy nature and decrees of God in his word, then we will not conform to that standard of excellence. We desire a Biblical holy excellence.

3. We must be excellent at what we do. Nobody is perfect, but if we follow the direction of the Bible to, "strive for perfection," then we will get to excellence. In the church, we too often resort to "good enough." We fall into the small-minded trap of being a non-profit organization rather than the family of the almighty, ever-living, providing Heavenly Father.

4. If we cannot do something with excellence, then we are stepping into it prematurely. It is better to do small things extremely well, before we do a big thing poorly and sloppily. If we can't do something well, then we won't do it. We will only begin doing what we know we can do well. There is no need to embarrass the name of Jesus with sloppy and disorganized service.

I encourage you to be excellent in your service as a greeter, usher, worship team member, nursery worker. Show up early for your time of service. Clean up extra when you are done. Bring a smile and kindness to your work. Take the extra steps to be beyond good and be excellent.

I urge you to be excellent in your ministry as a Small Group Leader, Elder, Teller or ministry leader. Schedule events properly on the church calender so we can promote it. Don't schedule and then create a failure that we have to cancel. Don't make excuses for why we failed, start winning. Be so excellent at your ministry task that you are naturally creating another minister to take your place and be fully capable of leading in your absence. Excellence draws appropriate attention. Excellence multiplies. Excellence inspires.