Have you ever felt uncomfortable around a perfectionist? Or perhaps you have gathered a long retinue of disappointments from people who you thought should have done something better. Perfectionism, whether you are on the receiving end of someone else’s expectations and have failed to meet them or you as the perfectionist find yourself constantly disappointed by others, both are doomed to a life of misery and eventual isolation. Some perfectionists turn their unrealistic expectations upon themselves and live with debilitating low self-esteem. Perfectionism allows no room for weakness, mishaps or lack in the area the perfectionist deems is most important. Perfectionism creates fear of failure.
Excellence on the other hand makes room for the imperfect missteps all people occasionally experience by recognizing the worth of each individual and seeing the potential that resides in all people. Excellence takes realistic inventory of a person’s strengths and weaknesses and celebrates the accomplishments of hard work, no matter the outcome. Excellence looks to the character of a person and casts light on the possibilities that exist rather than failures. Excellence provides the incentive for those who are weak to aspire and attempt something they may have otherwise not due to fear of failure. Excellence forgives and graciously accepts the weaknesses of others and self while encouraging hope for a positive lesson that can be used to strengthen their area of weakness.
God calls us to a life of excellence not perfection. Yeshua the Messiah took upon Himself the penalty for all our sins and imperfections. When we repent, He helps us live lives filled with His love and grace. His grace bestows us with the power to live a life of excellence.
I Corinthians 12:31 (NIV) says, “And now, I will show you the most excellent way.” The chapter following that verse is the well-known chapter on LOVE. So loving others God’s way is the excellent way to live. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, “Finally, brothers, 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.”