THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence is a LITTLE THING that makes a BIG DIFFERENCE - Terry Mante

WHEN I first stepped foot at the Qodesh – the headquarters of Lighthouse Chapel International – I was wildly impressed by the finesse and precision that characterises the church’s compound. I saw no single trait of mediocrity. It does not surprise me that their ministry continues to inspire many people and transform myriads of souls. Much of what I saw there goes beyond what is expected of the average church in Ghana and perhaps Africa. What Lighthouse has done under the able leadership of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a vivid manifestation of excellence.

Excellence is a non-negotiable requirement for any person, organisation or nation that seeks to attain extraordinary heights. When delivering the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encouraged that, “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Jesus is thus urging us to pursue excellence. What He said has three implications for our lives.

1. Exceed requirements. In every field of endeavour and at each stage of one’s life, there is a yardstick by which people’s output is evaluated. By choosing to do a little above what is expected of you, you place yourself in an outstanding position.

2. Extend limitations. Excellence means doing better than average. There is a lot of traffic on the road of life but only a few people travel on the mile called extra. It is those who go the extra mile who excel in life.

3. Exercise innovation. When everybody is doing something in a particular way, you can choose to do it differently. Doing the same thing in a unique new way is a hallmark of excellence.

CULTIVATING THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

If you desire excellence in your life, here are five keys that can help you:

1. Do what you love. Don’t do what is popular. Deep within you, there is something you truly cherish. What you cherish is what you mush devote your attention and energy to. When you settle that in your life, you will churn out sterling results. By focusing on doing what you love, you will stretch yourself to attain the highest possible standard. Jim Collins said this better: “If you’re doing something you care that much about, and you believe in its purpose deeply enough, then it is impossible to imagine not trying to make it great.” Love bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails.

2. Specialise in what you can do best. Although we are all humans, each one of us is unique. We must not do things just because others are excelling in them. There is something our gifts and talents give us competitive advantage in.

3. Don’t neglect small things. In athletics, a time difference of one second can distinguish a record holder from a non-record holder. Sometimes, small things can make big differences. Don’t overlook small habits, little mistakes and seemingly insignificant relationships. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Excellence is a little thing that makes a big difference.

4. Learn to sacrifice. Sacrifice is one thing that will set you ahead of the pack. It is demonstrated by doing what nobody else is willing to do, working while others play or relax and selling present pleasure for eternal rewards. It may mean staying up a little late at night to finish that business proposal, forgoing that TV programme to attend that prayer meeting or breaking a relationship that is inconsistent with your vision.

5. Strive for God’s best. The highest you can attain on earth cannot be higher than God’s standards. By determining to reach for God’s best, you inevitably set yourself above every challenge and competition around you.

All these hints must be integrated in your life. They are not mutually exclusive. Like those folks at Lighthouse, I believe you too can be excellent in what you do.


© 2011 Terry Mante
PEDNET
Accra, Ghana
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