How to Incorporate Life Long Learning Into Your New YearSample

Day 4: Aiming to Be Excellent

Excellence is not merely about knowing or acquiring knowledge; it’s about surpassing the cultural standard and striving for a higher purpose. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in every area of our lives, including our work, talents, and service to others.

Here are some ways to aim for excellence in your field and life:

- Look at the leaders in your field. Identify the qualities or skills that make them stand out. What habits or practices have led to their success? Reflect on how these can align with your Christian values.

- Consider how God would work in your field. Whether you are a carpenter, teacher, artist, or dancer, imagine how Jesus would approach your craft or profession. For instance, if you’re a carpenter, how might Jesus work with diligence, care, and integrity? If you’re a dancer, how would Jesus approach the art with passion, humility, and a spirit of worship?

- Set a higher standard. Aim not just to meet the expectations of those around you but to exceed them in a way that glorifies God. Let your work be a reflection of His excellence.

- Learn from Daniel’s example. In Daniel 1:20, it is recorded that Daniel and his friends were found to be ten times better in wisdom and understanding than the magicians and enchanters in the whole kingdom. Their excellence stemmed from God’s favour and their commitment to honouring Him.

Excellence isn’t just about competition or accolades; it’s about living in a way that honours God and inspires others. When you aim for excellence, you reflect God’s glory and demonstrate His transformative power in your life. Let this be your motivation to be the best you can be, for His glory.

I will see you tomorrow to talk about our plan of action—placing it into a model that we can visualise.