As I’ve walked through life (ministry) especially in recent years, there as been a resounding call to excellence. Given that some of my talents and gifts are creative in nature, I interpreted that call very in a very specific way and did my best to conform to what I thought it required. I was caught in a vast ocean, waves propelling me forward as I improved in skill and maturity in those gifts and talents and then being pulled under the current by a daunting, ever increasing gap from where I was to where I thought I was supposed to be.
There are a couple things I want to be sure to address right off the bat. My first stumbling block was not heeding the call to excellence, but rather what I applied it to, and where my standard was placed. I have heard from many well-intentioned people that I was to do everything with excellence. That as a Christian, I was to be the best in whatever category I found myself in, whether it be business, fine art, study or any other discipline or practice. You might imagine the frustration that followed as I continually fell short of the best.
As I started this newest adventure on The World Race, this burden of excellence I carried weighed all the heavier. Comparison was a constant companion and confusion joined frequently. “I can’t possibly measure up to _____” and “Why don’t I feel like I should?” I attributed my “failure” to achieve excellence to a lack of discipline, determination, tenacity and possibly even a spirit of apathy. Whenever I felt like I was on the right track (ya know, reading my bible a few consecutive days in a row, or learning some new idea, gaining some new skill) I battled pride. I felt like I was balancing on a blade, with no good side to fall on. Was this even a battle I needed to be fighting?
As we entered into our third month on the road, I began feeling a bit overwhelmed with the whole idea of excellence. With the encouragement of my team, I started asking the Lord to teach me. I started studying what the Word actually says about excellence. As it turns out, I was right all along… and I was wrong all along.
YES the Lord does require excellence of his followers. But I dare to say he doesn’t care much for talent or performance in and of themselves. Wherever I have found excellence mentioned in the Word, it is always in regard to character, grace, faith, love and other aspects of who God is.
“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” 2 Corinthians 8
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…” Philippians 1
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature…” 2 Peter 1
(These are just a few examples. I definitely recommend searching out more! Especially in the life of Daniel!)
God is relentless as he asks to engrave his grace and love the hearts of his people. Why do we try so hard to qualify ourselves and measure up to the standard of perfection that Christ already attained for us? He said “It is finished.” He has already conquered our imperfections and now calls us into a life of partnership and freedom. As we abide in him, this is how we will excel in the ways he has actually called us to.
This just scratches the service, but I invite you into this journey of letting go of whatever ideas I had before and truly learning what delights the heart of God.
What has he been teaching you lately? How can I pray for you? Please comment and let me know, I want to hear from you!!!
**Fundraising Update**
You all are INCREDIBLE. God is so faithful.
Funding Status: $17,232 of $18,700 (92.15% FUNDED!) We’re almost there!
I’m so blown away, humbled, thankful and just really excited for the opportunity we have to partner together for the Kingdom. I have so many stories I still want to share about what the Lord has been doing. Over the last couple months, God has been growing me personally in so many ways and has provided my team with so many opportunities to serve, encourage, teach, witness to and fellowship with so many beautiful people. Stay tuned for more stories and updates 🙂
