Pursuing Excellence: A Spiritual Imperative
In the pursuit of excellence, we often find ourselves striving to be the best version of ourselves. But what drives this innate desire for excellence? According to Horst Schulze, co-founder of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, it’s about putting others first and delivering exceptional results. In his book, Excellence Wins, Schulze shares his no-nonsense approach to achieving excellence in the hospitality industry. However, as we delve deeper into the concept of excellence, we discover that it’s not just about professional success, but also about living a life that honors God.
The Spiritual Roots of Excellence
God created us in His image, imparting some of His character qualities to us (Genesis 1:27). As a result, we crave justice, love, and excellence because these traits reflect His nature. Our desire for excellence stems from our Creator, who is excellent in everything He does (Deuteronomy 32:4). Therefore, striving for excellence is not just a professional goal, but a spiritual imperative.
Overcoming Obstacles to Excellence
However, our sinful nature often gets in the way of achieving excellence. Apathy, carelessness, and laziness can hinder our efforts to excel. But God’s cure for our careless ways is to remind us that He is our ultimate judge. We must answer to Him for how we spend our time, resources, and energy (Matthew 12:36; 1 Corinthians 3:13–15).
Working with All Our Might
As believers, we’re called to work with all our heart, as if working for the Lord Himself (Colossians 3:23–24). Aware that it is Christ we’re serving, we don’t want to present Him with anything but excellence. Whether it’s in our daily tasks or our professional endeavors, we should strive for excellence in work ethic, character, and craftsmanship.
Developing Our Gifts and Talents
No one is good at everything, but we’re all good at something. God expects us to develop the skills and gifts He’s given us to serve Him and others better. By pursuing excellence in all we do, we honor God and reflect His character to the world.
A Life of Excellence
In the end, pursuing excellence is not just about achieving professional success or personal fulfillment; it’s about living a life that honors God. As the Bible reminds us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Let us strive for excellence in all we do, knowing that our efforts will have eternal significance.
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