Excellence is becoming a lost art. Think about it. Grammar has gone by the wayside with the laidback aura of texting and social media. Fashion has become more about personal expression and ease than dignity and respect for others. Students are getting nabbed for using AI (most decidedly NOT an excellent writer) in school projects. And more young people are giving up on old-fashioned morals in pursuit of “what feels right for me.”
Going the extra mile is a foreign concept when everyone is doing just enough to appease the status quo. This is concerning in so many ways, regardless of who you are, but for Christian teens, it is a tragedy.
Hey, I’m Lauren, author of YA Christian fiction and
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In This Article
Who Cares About Excellence Anyway?
“Find out what pleases the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:10
So maybe you think no one cares about you pushing yourself to achieve excellence except perhaps your parents, teachers, and coach. Who cares if you miss a few corners when you cut the grass, or have some elements crooked on your display for the literature fair, or only floss your teeth after eating steak? Does it really matter?
Let it be known, God cares about excellence in all things. Paul uses the phrase “whatever you do” three times in the Bible when laying out terms of serving God with excellence:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Colossians 3:23
Every breathing moment of your life is a chance to serve God, whether others are watching or not.
Life is not an ice cube tray where spiritual matters are neatly separated from earthly matters. I once had a young man ask me how you can glorify God through basketball. The issue is many teens think you can’t serve God unless you are speaking Jesus’ name or feeding orphans in a third world country.
News flash: Every breathing moment of your life is a chance to serve God, whether others are watching or not. You were created for him. You can’t separate the parts of your life where you are actively serving God from the parts of your life lived for yourself because there isn’t meant to be a separation.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
You are here for no other reason than to love and serve God. So it makes sense that you should do your best in all things.
But Excellence is For Snobs
“Won’t people think I’m trying to act like I’m better than them by pursuing excellence?”
They might, though I’ve found that those who do have already given up on their pursuit of excellence. Sometimes jealousy is at play, and that’s an issue that needs to be addressed separately.
But many people will see your pursuit of excellence and be encouraged to work toward excellence themselves. You can be the inspiration for someone else to step it up!
God is Excellent. Be Like God.
God is excellent in every way:
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
Deuteronomay 32:4
Imagine if God were lax in some area. What if he only kept his promises when he felt like it? What if he used crummy workmanship when creating the earth?
What if Jesus had only taken away some of your sins?
Nope, God does all of those things perfectly. When God promises something, he delivers every single time. When God creates something, it is beautiful craftsmanship. (Something to keep in mind when you struggle with self-esteem. YOU are his creation.) And when Jesus went to the cross, he paid the full price for all of your sins, leaving nothing else for you to do.
If there’s one thing you can count on from God, it’s excellence 100% of the time.
You are called to be an imitator of God.
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.”
Ephesians 5:1
So if God is excellent in all things, you are called to be excellent in all things too.
But I Can’t Be Perfect!
That’s the first excuse we Christians like to give whenever the Bible reminds us that we’re supposed to be imitators of God. “I’ve already screwed up, so what’s the point?” “This standard is impossible! No way am I going to achieve that.”
Those are the words of someone who is already planning to fail.
Paul didn’t leave room for excuses in Ephesians 5:
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:3-4″
Ephesians 5:3-4
Phrases like “not be even a hint” and “any kind” cement the point: You should not allow any of these things to creep into your lives. He doesn’t say, “Well, try your best but don’t worry if you can’t.” Paul was a big fan of the pursuit of excellence. Because why wouldn’t you want to do your best for God?
Note that excellence and perfection are not the same. Excellence means giving your best. You don’t have to be perfect because Jesus did that for you.
Related: Not a Hint: Living Pure in a Sexual Culture
4 Reasons to Do Your Best In All Things
1) Pursuing Excellence Gives Others a Glimpse of God.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Ephesians 5:8
God is glorified when you use the gifts and talents he has given you. He gave you the ability to dribble a ball and hone your skills on the court. He created art and music for you to enjoy. Glorify him by giving your best.
2) Pursuing Excellence Shows Your Love for God.
“…and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:2
A prayer of thanks is one way to show your gratitude to God for what he has given you. Another way is to do your best in all things. Because he does his best for you.
3) Pursuing Excellence Shows Love for Others.
As discussed above, some see excellence as a form of snobbery. After all, how does getting an A on a science test serve anyone but yourself?
Consider this: Someone had to teach you the material for you to pass the test. Someone put in a lot of time planning lessons, correcting homework, and explaining concepts. Giving your best on a test shows respect for your teacher and the time he/she gave you.
Your classmates put in a lot of time also. You all sat through lectures and puzzled over labs and homework. If you slop through a test, you’re essentially declaring that their time—and yours—was wasted, and what they do in class doesn’t matter. Pursuing excellence affirms and encourages your peers to do the same.
Excellence is not self-serving.
4) Pursuing Excellence Makes You More Like Jesus.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1
Jesus gave his best in everything he did, whether it was driving out demons, preaching God’s word, or cleansing you from your sin. Be like Jesus because you were called to follow his example.
Ways to Pursue Excellence
Essentially, this blog is all about urging Christian teens to pursue excellence. Check out this list of posts to help you do your best whatever you do.
In Life
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”
Ephesians 5:15
In Worship & Devotion
“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20
- Read Your Bible Every Day: Why it Matters & How to Start
- When Church Doesn’t Feel Exciting
- How To Have a Richer Prayer Life By Friday
In Relationships
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:21
- Christian Dating: There Must Be More to It Than This!
- The Lost Art of Commitment: Be Different, Follow Through!
- 8 Ways to Encourage Your Friends In Their Faith
In Media Choices
“Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:18
- The Problem With Clean YA Fiction For Christian Teens
- How to Find Clean Young Adult Fiction in a Dirty Market
- 6 Red Flags to Watch For in YA Christian Fiction
Warning: Pursue Excellence For the Right Reasons.
The pursuit of excellence is dangerous when done for the wrong reasons. Be careful of seeking human praise or accolades. You want to be a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser, and often what pleases God does not please people.
You’re also not doing it to earn your way into heaven. That’s already been done for you (see The Battle’s Already Been Won . . . What Battle?). You pursue excellence because God loves you and you love him back and want to serve him with your best.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Wake up, Sleeper!
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:14
Don’t fall asleep at the wheel of life. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Give God your best in all things and see his light shine upon you.
Did you notice? Many of the verses quoted in this post come from Ephesians 5. Check out the whole chapter in your Bible. It’s a great guideline for how to give God your best in life!
