Humility and Excellence

Is it possible to be humble while striving for excellence? In one of my Bible classes today the professor talked about avoiding the habit of complacency. It is so easy to do what is easy. Why put forth the extra effort? But in our relationship with the Lord, there is no plateau. That is to say, there is no point where we can say that we've reached a high enough level, so now we can coast. Paul urges us in Philippians 3:13-14,

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

In the process of sanctification, of becoming more like Jesus through God's working in our lives, we must continue forward and upward. We must always be willing to grow. But can we desire excellence and still maintain humility? Of course! Our efforts should be fueled by God and for God.

In chapel today our campus pastor discussed the wrongs of self-righteousness and our need to surrender to God. As we continue in doing our best for God, the point is that we couldn't do our best without God! We shouldn't strive for excellence to bring glory to ourselves; rather, in humility we should do our best through God's strength to bring glory to Him.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 3:17

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Colossians 3:23

As a side note, the book I am reading right now is Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon. Since I still have the month of April left for this semester, my reading may not be done as quickly as I would like! However, I hope to post a review of this book by early next week, so stay tuned!

Have a blessed day!