Fax of LifeThe Fax of Life is presented each week by the Encouraging Word. You can purchase a complete volume of the Fax of Life by calling (714) 587-9534 or subscribe to the Fax of Life e-mail version. THE FAX OF LIFE A Weekly Service To The Business Community From Saddleback Church
EXCELLING AT WHAT YOU DO By Rick Warren
The Olympics this summer gave us a dramatic display of the pursuit of excellence. Those who participated were the peak performers in each category. What are the characteristics of people who excel at what they do? The Bible identifies five traits of those who make it to the top:
1. PEOPLE WHO EXCEL WORK WITH ENTHUSIASM. Emerson once said "Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm." Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter what is the size of the audience. "Whatever your task is, put your whole heart and soul into it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men." Col. 3:23
2. PEOPLE WHO EXCEL SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS. They never stop developing...growing...learning...improving. "If the ax is dull, and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success." Eccl. 10:10 It takes more than desire to excel, it takes skill! Remember - you're never wasting time when you are sharpening your "ax".
3. PEOPLE WHO EXCEL KEEP THEIR WORD. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they'll do. So they excel because people of integrity are rare in our society. "Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful they are, but just try to find someone who really is!" Prov. 20:6 (GN) Reliability beats talent in the long run.
4. PEOPLE WHO EXCEL MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Even under pressure...or change...or unrealistic demands, they don't allow themselves to become negative. Complainers never excel at anything except complaining. "Do all things without grumbling or arguing...and you will shine out like a light in a dark world." Phil. 2:14-15 And remember "If the boss is angry with you, don't quit! A quiet spirit will quiet his bad temper!" Eccl. 10:4 (LB)
5. PEOPLE WHO EXCEL DO MORE THAN IS EXPECTED. This is a secret that every successful person has discovered. You'll never excel by only doing what is required - the bare minimum. Jesus said, "If anybody forces you to go a mile with him, do more, go two miles with him." Matt. 5:41 (Ph)
Oscar Hammerstein told that story of seeing the top of the head of the Statue of Liberty up close from a helicopter. What impressed him was the incredible detail the artist had sculpted on an area of the statue that the artist never expected anyone to see. The artist had no idea man would someday fly above his statue!
When you are tempted to cut corners and think "No one will ever know" remember God is looking down and sees everything you do. Give it your best this week!
Until next week...
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