A Spirit of Excellence by Mary Loudermilk

The place was small town America a number of years ago. We were journalism students visiting the offices of the weekly paper, which also printed our high school newspaper. The print shop was rather old-fashioned, and a typesetter sat working on the next issue of the town paper.

I can’t remember what innovative idea we were trying to persuade the typesetter to do for us, but I well remember his reaction. In a flat, no-argument-allowed voice, he rejected our plan with this declaration: “The more you learn, the more you gotta do.” Translation: “I’m doing the minimum to get by, and you aren’t going to make me do any more.”

His attitude was in sharp contrast to another man I knew. He lived and worked by the philosophy, “You never get paid for more than you do until you do more than you are paid for.” It was no surprise that he advanced within his company and had the resources to retire at a relatively young age. His approach to life led to his success. I cannot say with certainty that the typesetter did not become wealthy and live the good life, but I find it doubtful.

We all have the choice of facing life with an “I’ll just get by” attitude or with a spirit that causes us to strive for excellence in everything we do. According to Booker T. Washington, “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” Excellence is not to be confused with perfection. We may never achieve perfection, but we can work to the best of our ability at whatever task we undertake. A spirit of excellence will cause us to give our utmost effort, even if no one will ever know.

It is not just within the workplace that we leave our mark. Usually, a person who performs to the best of his ability on the job will also strive to do his best at home, in the community, and in living for God. Excellence, or for that matter mediocrity, is a quality of character that will follow us wherever we go. Sam Ewing humorously but truthfully said, “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”

God gives each of us special talents and abilities. Then He places us where we can best use these gifts to fulfill His purpose in our lives. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” (I Corinthians 12:18). Regardless of the position—janitor, nursery worker, teacher, usher, musician, or pastor—the Lord requires the same from each: our best effort for the job at hand. It is probable that the pastor filled some not-so-prestigious jobs before God advanced Him to a pulpit ministry. God tests us to see how trustworthy we are, and then He increases our responsibilities as we prove ourselves faithful. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Some perform a job proficiently enough but without satisfaction. They have no love for what they are doing, and this hinders them from achieving true excellence. Ephesians 6:6 says that we are to work, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers: but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

God has called us to service. We can serve with mediocrity or excellence. Choose excellence—and do it from the heart.

Featured Articles