“Do not be lazy, but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart.” Romans 12:11 NCV

For 20 years, I have spoken the same words to my family as they start their day:  “Be Excellent!”

This wisdom came from Bill and Ted, who took an Excellent Adventure into the past in order to save their history grade. Receiving help from a time traveler, they used the time machine to trek to several historical events. They returned with significant figures in history to help complete their final, and most excellent presentation.

Twenty years later, my understanding of this wisdom is gleaned from the Bible (Proverbs 2:6 NIV) rather than Bill and Ted.

The truth is we are all called to excellence.

God made us with excellence (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) and He expects us to be the best us that we can be, giving 110% in everything we do. The above scripture doesn’t say, “If we feel like it, maybe we can work up to mediocrity and settle for good enough.”

Too often, we tackle difficult tasks that require more planning, time and effort than expected. Rather than focusing on the task at hand, we try to balance too much. We become frustrated as our deadlines approach, at which time we decide good is enough.

When we put in mediocre work, we get mediocre results, and set the example that average is acceptable.

Kensington Community Church is a place of brilliance. They use visual and performing arts to bring the gospel message to seekers. Excellence was expected and non-negotiable. While on staff at KCC I learned from example how to go beyond good until I found GREAT in every task I was given.

Good enough is mediocre.  Great is excellent.

So, be excellent!

Julia