The divine call to excellence

I am choosing a word for the year. I have not participated in this exercise in several years. My aim in choosing a word for the year is to capture a theme I would like to see developed throughout the year.

I have chosen the word "excellence"; a word found in a Bible verse that I have referenced as a hinge point for my life, family and ministry. In the many times I have read and reread this verse, I have quickly passed over the word excellence. This year, however, the word jumped out like a lone neon sign in the desert.

The verse says this: "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" (2 Peter 1:3, ESV).

To practice excellence, it is vital to distinguish excellence from perfection.

Perfection is the striving to master all circumstances. Excellence is the glorious calling of God in the middle of the opportunity and environment he has allowed.

Excellence cannot be fully embraced apart from the reality that nothing will ever be perfect. Things will happen that shouldn't, and things that should happen won't. Excellence is giving your best despite the circumstances.

Second, excellence requires answering this question: "What is the best that I should give myself, too?"

Excellence cannot be practiced in an abundance of options. Choosing to embrace too many things diffuses excellence. Attempting everything always results in accomplishing nothing.

Knowing what is the best to give yourself, too, you need to ask what are the God-ordained roles you have already embraced. Roles like being you, being a mate to your spouse, a parent to your children and a child of your parents. These are primary roles that God has allowed you to embrace.

When we first practice excellence in being and becoming who he has created us to be in the roles that he has delivered to us and allowed us to receive, then and only then can we effectively practice excellence in the arenas of career and hobby. Being always comes before doing.

Imagine how different the end of this year will look when you say, "I daily practice excellence."