I love excellent things. Like a riveting movie with amazing CGI, or a delicious soft donut that melts in your mouth. Even a fancy new fishing lure that looks and swims perfectly, just like a real creature.
However, excellence is not a word I am particularly fond of. I think it’s because I am from the generation of church leaders that was bombarded with the concept of adopting a 'standard of excellence' in just about every church related book, article, and podcast produced in the 2010s. I have no problem with working hard, or with striving to do your best in life and work (or for me, in church). But is excellence really achievable across the board? In fact, does it even need to be?
Can I really be both an excellent pastor and an excellent husband? Can I also be an excellent father, friend, drummer, fisherman, driver, home handyman, and dog owner? All the while maintaining excellent boundaries, work ethic, health, spirituality, leisure, and finances. Well, the reality is, I can't. And I don’t think you can either. Author Karen Banes writes about the idea of modern-day humans having what she describes as 'multiple priority disorder'. Our English word 'priority' stems from a Latin phrase that literally means 'the first thing'. Or in other words, the one and most important thing. Meaning we can truly only have one legitimate priority at one time. I’m sure I am not the only one who at times feels the burden to make everything a priority all of the time and never drop the ball.
So, if I can’t really be excellent at all things, all of the time, where should I put my focus? At the very end of 1 Corinthians 12, right before Paul launches into the epic explanation of what 'love' is in Chapter 13, he writes this, “And yet I will show you the most excellent way”. For the Apostle Paul, the one most excellent thing, which in turn deserves the effort to produce excellence in, is graciousness, mercy, and love.
In a world which seems to be becoming increasingly divided and polarised, and where people seemingly feel at peace tearing each other down, excellent compassion and excellent love is what I would love to be contributing to society.
Pr Michael Chapman
Gateway Church Pastor
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