EXCEL!

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), 

as something done for the Lord and not for men

                                                                                                                        Col 3:23 

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. (1Cor.14:12)."  Notice the word EXCEL here. We all want to excel in things, to be good at what we do. Here, Paul states in God's house, EXCEL to help build it up.  In life - do what you do as if the Lord Himself asked you to do it, not the men or people you're working for.   To EXCEL, we need to apply some tools that will help us to grow.

1. Work with enthusiasm, whether the job is big or small, they give their best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter what the size of the audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Col. 3:23).
2. Sharpen your skills. Never stop developing, growing, learning, and improving. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes states, "If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.(Ecc 10:10)." It takes more than desire to excel; it takes skill! You're never wasting time when you’re sharpening your “ax.”
3. Be reliable. People who excel, can be counted on to do what they say they'll do. Even the Proverbs state, "Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? (Pro 20:6)." Learn to become trustworthy to do what you have said.
4. Learn to maintain a positive attitude. Whether under pressure, change, or unrealistic demands, don't allow yourself to become negative:  Paul wrote to the Philippians,  “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16). 
5. Do more than is expected. You never excel by only doing what is required. Jesus taught, "And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.   And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.(Mt.5:40-42)." 

When the scriptures tell you to EXCEL, pay attention! When you’re tempted to cut corners, or begin to think, “No one will ever know,” remember that God  sees everything you do. Give him your best this week and every week. You will not lose by doing these things. You will gain satisfaction what what you do and find yourself pleasing God in the process.

Jim