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‘Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.’ (Jessica Guidobono)
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Reflection: Spirit of Excellence
A recent picture of a footpath that fell through in the heavy rain revealing its hollowness underneath reminded me of how today’s world largely functions. The surface is beautiful, glittery and fancy, but below the surface it is all empty and lacks substance.
One of my senior trainers, now retired, always had pearls of wisdom to share in her training sessions. One insight that stayed with me is 'Leave your signature on everything you do. Even if you sweep the floor do it in such a way that someone who later sees the floor knows it was you. No matter how simple or basic the task be, let it always reflect who you are.’
What kind of mark or signature do we leave? Does our work reflect commitment and excellence? Do sincerity, meaning and depth exist in whatever we undertake? Or do we function halfheartedly and superficially only for people to see us, applaud us and give us credit, while the actual quality of our work might be average or even worse? So much today is condensed into shortcuts and packaged attractively to make an impression; in the bargain, the content is frequently compromised and the core essence is sidelined completely.
While we might get away with shoddy work in the eyes of man, let’s always remember that God knows our heart and is aware of our intentions. Nothing is hidden from him and we have to give an account of everything to Him someday. When Jesus got down on his knees and washed the feet of his disciples, he said to them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (Jn 13:15) This applies in all contexts. God spared nothing in restoring our relationship with Him. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was complete in all respects. He didn’t cut corners or take shortcuts; He went all the way and gave us His everything. He also gave us His Holy Spirit to help us follow His commands and live with integrity. So if we call ourselves His disciples, then we must follow His example and live purposefully with excellence. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col 3:23-24)
We are not meant to live a mediocre life as we are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27). We are God’s masterpiece, His prized possession, His most precious creation. (Eph 2:10, Is 43:4, James 1:18) We are ambassadors for Christ, called to represent Him and his message on earth. (2 Cor 5:20) Shouldn’t we then pour out our heart and soul into all that we do? Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world, for our light to shine before others and glorify our Father in Heaven. (Mt 5:13-16) We can do this only if we strive to be exceptional and always seek to set new benchmarks.
If God has placed us in a particular position or allotted us a specific task, then He definitely has a plan and purpose behind it. So in response, we must gracefully bloom and excel wherever He has planted us, to demonstrate our love and gratitude towards Him. Even if we struggle or feel inadequate or incompetent in doing a task, we have His assurance that ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9) which enables us to confidently declare ‘I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13) Remember, He does not call the equipped but always equips the ones He calls.
In today’s reading, we see how having lived a life of excellence, Paul looked forward to receiving a crown of righteousness in heaven once his life on earth was complete. So let us today seek to change our dull bland approach to life and strive to adopt a spirit of excellence. ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.’ (Phil 4:8) This will truly set us apart and empower us to live as true witnesses of His love.
Let us pray: Dear Lord, thank you for fearfully and wonderfully creating us to live an abundant life on earth. Forgive us for the times we complain or compromise and waste the opportunities you lovingly send our way. Bless us with a spirit of excellence to do our best in all you call us to do, so we can be your instruments and shine your light in the lives of everyone we encounter. We ask all of this in the mighty holy and precious name of Jesus - Amen.
#Joy #WordofGod #HolySpirit #TheCross #HolyBible #HolyTrinity #GodisLove #Grace #Faith #Love #Hope #SpiritofExcellence #NoCompromise #Masterpiece #PreciousCreation #PrizedPossession #AmbassadorofChrist #LightoftheWorld #SaltoftheEarth #Commitment #Discipline #Quality #Benchmark
Audio: Ms. Anita Lewis
Негізгі бет Weekly Reflection | A-Z of Faith: Excellence | 2 Tim 4:6-8,17-18 | Spirit of Excellence | SR 29.6.24
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