Redefining the Drive to Excel

by: Micah A. Tecne

Did we ever find ourselves working with all our hearts and efforts for something that didn't meet someone's standard? We resent the effort, the sleepless nights, the sweat and tears, and the sacrifices we made to accomplish it, only to discover later that it didn't meet someone's ideal output. In this situation, we realize that our perspectives and standards are different. In this world of high expectations, we recognize and commend those who excel. This brings us to our pursuit of excellence.

Excellent people strive for excellence, but who are these individuals? We recognize people or something excellent based on our standards and ideals. What motivates us to strive for excellence? Why and how do we attain it? When we accomplish a fantastic project through wicked schemes, will it be considered excellent? Do we deserve an excellence award for pleasing others while compromising our righteous standards? Does a student receive a medal because of his or her honest effort to strive at the top of the class? Will the recognition we receive for achieving our selfish interests be worth it? Wickedness has been creeping into every system around us. If our selfish interests drive our pursuit of excellence, then we are moving in the direction of wickedness.
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With the degrading moral compass of our society, only the genuine people, recognized or not, continually pursue excellence in the light of righteousness. Those who not only possess skill and hard work but also comprehend its essence achieve excellence. Our limitations and proneness to mistakes define us as individuals. Our vulnerability will force us to seek help urgently. The pressure to be the best in the world's perspective of excellence can frustrate us when we fail, but when we serve with love and pure intentions, we feel even more satisfied and strive to serve and love better. We allow ourselves to learn and make room for improvement. People who serve in the light of righteousness attain excellence. It is not about pleasing others or ourselves, but about pleasing the author of excellence: a righteous God! Whatever we do, we work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Our drive matters!

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