Susanne Udvari  -Excellence versus Perfection

“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, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of  God.”  Philippians 1:9

I have been thinking about two words – perfection and excellence – in relation to our walk with the Lord.  Perfection is all about ability but excellence is about availability.  Trying to be perfect can sap us of emotional energy.  Pursuing excellence in our work for the Lord gives birth to more spiritual energy.  Excellence can inspire and perfection can intimidate.

Paul writes to the Philippians about loving more and choosing wise actions that would truly help others and glorify God.  As we grow in our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, we will try to do all to serve Him in a most excellent way. 

Excellence is attainable, perfection is not.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only person who ever has, or ever will be perfect.  So, let us go about our days knowing that we will never be perfect, but we can serve those around us with excellence, with God’s help.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, as he is reminding them to do good works, he says, “These things are excellent and profitable for people.”  Titus 3:8  the author of Hebrews  also writes, “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”  Hebrews 8:6

May we each serve others and Sharon church with the excellence that comes from being filled with Christ’s love and power.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to serve in an excellent way, depending on you to fill me up, bringing glory to you in all I say and do.  Amen