A local automotive mechanic from our church commented recently his industry’s reputation for poor quality work and dishonesty.  Unfortunately, he believes much of it is not with just cause, which is why he has dedicated himself and his business to excellence and honesty in everything they do. 

There is a temptation to do as little as possible just to get by without consideration for the quality of the work being performed or the consequence of sloppy work on others.  Mediocrity replaces excellence for the sake of expedience, and it is well entrenched in our society.

In reality, the way of happiness (and true success) is not found in getting by with as little as you can, but in doing everything you can with wholehearted excellence.  Excellence reflects the character of God as well as the essence of man’s original design in the Garden.  The commitment to excellence is an act of worship in which we understand this is about our serving God with the best we can give.  Excellence, thus, not only glorifies God, but leads to an inexpressible joy and sense of fulfillment knowing something has been so well done and will bless others too.  Excellence is the product of relentless diligence and wholehearted service, and those who choose excellence know that the rewards are indescribable.

FANNING THE FLAME
What legacy would our children and grandchildren say we are building in the area of excellence in everything we do?  Do they know that sloppy work, less than our best, and getting by are not a part of our vocabulary and practice?  They will learn much by what they observe in us.  What are we teaching about excellence?

GRANDPAUSE: “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” — Colin Powell