Lesson 5: The Quest for True Excellence Mediocre (adj.) – of only moderate quality; not very good; ordinary, average, uninspired, indifferent Mediocrity (noun) – the quality of being mediocre Mediocrity is one of the many attitudes of people. It is the mild, moderate, average, or ordinary quality of living. Question for the class: Have you met a mediocre person? Or, are you one? Mediocre people are those who only meet the minimum requirements in everything they do and desire. They are easily contented with everything they do and desire. God designed us through His image. He is not a mediocre god. Therefore, each of us should be passionate about life. We should search for excellence with enthusiasm and vibrance. Go to the Ants ‘The Ant and the Grasshopper’ is one of Aesop’s fables. The fable describes how a hungry grasshopper begs for food from an ant when winter comes and is refused. Go to the ants and look how they work. They are written in the Bible and are used many times as an example of industry, perseverance, stewardship, and skill. The ant is used as an example because it utilizes its energy and resources economically. They are diligent, while the grasshopper is the example of laziness. There is danger in mediocrity. It can lead to poverty – if one acts irresponsibly. Life is a balance of generosity and stewardship. That is the kind of excellence we are emphasizing here. Be excellent for God and others; not only for yourself. The book of Proverbs warns us against giving into temptation and laziness – of taking it easy instead of working. It doesn’t mean we should not rest. Commented [l1]: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Diligence is being willing to work hard and doing one’s best at any job given to him or her. Diligence and laziness compared according to Proverbs: “Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.” –Proverbs 10:4 “At harvest season, it's smart to work hard, but stupid to sleep.” –Proverbs 10:5 “Work hard and you will have a lot of food; waste time and you will have a lot of trouble.” –Proverbs 28:19 Faithful completion of one’s work is a great accomplishment. Being a diligent worker does not come naturally to some people; it is a strong character. Don’t look for shortcuts that results to inefficiency. What is God’s design for excellence? An excellent life exudes peace and fulfilment that come from living a life that pleases God. Here are the methods: 1. Use God’s mighty weapons to be victorious a. Prayer b. Faith c. Hope d. Love e. God’s Word f. Holy Spirit’s Guidance 2. Let God be your Commander-In-Chief a. This military term is used to depict a picture of man completely submitted and surrendered to the headship of God – even our minds must be submitted to His control as we live for Him. 3. Follow God’s Manual – the Bible a. God’s law was given first to Moses and the people of Israel. It presents God’s desires for mankind. Everything about it shows His will forces – for our welfare. It is the training manual to prepare His people to face and confront life; to serve Him; and to help others. Review the Ten Commandments in the previous lessons and how they were given to people. Ask God to show you His plans and direction for your life. 4. Complete Dependence on God a. In the final analysis of life, it’s not all about us. Even though we reach a life of excellence, the Glory and Honor still go to Him. Why? Because He is the source of all things, including us. He is the knowledge that teaches us; He is the power that strengthens us; He is the line that shines in our path; and He is the provider that sustains all that we need. Excellence is usually associated with superior quality – such quality usually is the best choice which coincides with victory. A victorious life passes the standard of God. It is linked with greatness. True greatness is not only measured by personal achievements, but in “service” you are making a difference. The desire on top will only fail if you plan to go up alone. No Limelight or Fanfare for Greg Greg was a very quiet and unassuming guy in class. He seldom mingle or talk. He doesn’t have any sports, and he didn’t boast about his achievements. But to God, Greg is the top-notch in class. He has good grades, and he won many contests for the school. Some asked, “He did that?” The Holy Spirit who controls Greg’s life does not seek recognition. He dedicates his accomplishments to God. Magnificent Power of the Holy Spirit to Make Excellent Jobs in People’s Lives 1. He has a part in the creation of the great world. Therefore, He can make each one great too. a. “For the spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” –Job 33:4 2. The spirit of God moved the writers of the Scriptures. a. “It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.”-2 Peter 1:21 3. The Holy Spirit was involved in the conception and birth of Jesus Christ. a. An angel said to Joseph, “The child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.” 4. The Holy Spirit renews our hearts to do good things. a. “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”-Titus 3:5 God’s Standard of Excellence 1. God demands excellence in worship. Honor God and put Him first in your life. He doesn’t want second best. Our excellence tells others that we care deeply about God and others. 2. Excellence inspires people. It does not cause jealousy, envy, indifference, and division. You should encourage people to follow God’s way. An excellent person is blessed, and he wants to share those blessings to others. Selfishness and greed does not make one excellent. 3. Excellence is motivated by God’s awesome power and greatness – not our own “bilib sa sarili”. We mentioned earlier that He is the source of everything. He gives people all His best – best love, best salvation, best grace and mercy, best blessings, and best Son. Then, He deserves our best – our excellent life to offer Him. Man’s Standard of Excellence Man can only give what he can reach, and everything he can acquire is already owned by God. In simple terms, man’s best is not enough to God. Man’s excellence is of this world, but doing our best is not bad. God still wants us to be diligent in studies, work, and other responsibilities assigned to us. God wants His people to use their skills, talents, and abilities to serve Him and others. What He wants for us are the following: 1. To be excellent in the course or job that we have chosen. If you are a doctor, try to be the best doctor. If you are a street cleaner, make your place the cleanest area of all. Each one, in his or her own way, can contribute in the making of an excellent nation. 2. Be teachable and keep learning. 3. Be ready to face changes or new challenges. Flexibility and resourcefulness can help you to adapt a new task. 4. Be clean and organized. God is very organized – He didn’t mess up the world. It is us who make it distorted and confusing. 5. Review and assess the past and learn from experience. Make better the second time by increasing your standard closest to God’s. 6. No man is an island – seek God’s will and guidance. He will send some people who can mentor you. 7. Keep in mind that excellence is not equality with God. You can’t be perfect! He alone is perfect and the greatest. Man can only be excellent through his or her own little ways – only by the loving grace of God. Submitted by: Von Gerbie Talavera and Valer Ian Espiritu Santo Submitted to: Teacher Anne Valkyrie Flores