Becoming People of Excellence

By Keith Wright

As we wrap up our series on the book of Colossians, we run across Paul's challenge to be people of excellence: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." (Colossians 3:23) Practicing excellence takes hard work, an awareness that we are only performing for an Audience of One, and a long-term commitment.

NBA coach Pat Riley offers his insights on excellence in his book The Winner Within:

"Being a game player is a fiction some people use to excuse themselves from working as hard as they should. People who think they are game players are what coaches call 'floaters.' They float along on a cushion of talent or sheer physical size and strength. They don't see what all the fuss over concentration and work ethic is about-until players of lesser talent start scoring in their face, quarter after quarter, simply because they are more in tune with their game . . . Eventually, every team has to learn that excellence isn't a destination. It's a process that must be continually improved" (pp. 150-151).

Human nature prods us to put life on cruise control and float. We display this attitude whenever we do just enough to get by. We justify our behavior by telling ourselves that we have worked really hard to get to where we are, so why not take it easy for a while?

However, whenever we float, we lose ground. We miss opportunities to make an impact. We become less than we were created to be.

Paul goes on to say, "Make the most of every opportunity!" (Colossians 4:5)
Doesn't sound like drifting along to me! Like a fine-tuned athlete, we maximize opportunities through preparation, discipline, and perseverance.

Again, Paul provides us with counsel and encouragement.

How do you prepare?

"Devote yourselves to prayer..." (Colossians 4:2)
Pray about your future before you live it.

How do you exhibit discipline?

"Be wise..." (Colossians 4:5)
It takes discipline to make the wise choice when given a myriad of options.

What does perseverance look like?

"Stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." (Colossians 4:12)
Certainty and confidence are by-products of perseverance ~ hallmarks of excellent people.

By practicing excellence, we become excellent. And people of excellence always make a difference!