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March 16, 2007
More on Excellence
My friend Tanya has brought up a very valuable discussion on her blog about excellence. It’s worth reading her post and the comments here.
Like most normal people I can fall into the two traps of legalistic perfectionism and self-gratifying sloth. One the one side, life becomes a series of tests that I have to pass in order to be loved, accepted, and feel that my life has meaning and relevance. One the other side, life becomes a self-centered, lazy drift from one night on the couch in front of the TV to the next where I never seem to do anything well, with any conviction or quality. So, what is life supposed to really be like?
I’ve found that the answer is in going back to both the pre-fallen humanity and back to the rest of God’s grace over us.
Pre-fallen Humanity
God made us good. He made Adam and Eve with wonderful creativity, ingenuity, beauty, and skill. We were created as the image of the Creator, and so there is intrinsic glory about humans in all that they do. Go to the major cities of the world and witness the awesome majesty of towering skyscrapers. Listen to the beauty and complexity of Beethoven symphonies. Observe the skill and power of Albert Pujols as he knocks another fastball out of the park. God created us to be good, to do excellent things, and reflect His glory in all that we do. When we let sloth overwhelm us and allow the mind-numbing power of instant-gratification keep us from ever doing anything well or putting any effort into anything of value then we are letting sin diminish the glory of the divine image. So, Christian, be who God created you to be, and don’t apologize or hide your gifts and talents as if they were a dirty little secret.
The Rest of God’s Grace
The good news of the gospel frees us from the oppression of the Law, the fear of condemnation, and the bondage of a performance based lifestyle. Perfectionism sets an impossible standard that only sets you up for failure and disappointment. Like gerbils on a wheel, we can live our lives in a never-ending race to win love, acceptance, and security. The gospel frees us to rest in God’s grace. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. We are loved and accepted completely by God’s grace. This acceptance is what frees us to become fully human, redeeming the broken, restoring the fallen. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, we reside in the presence of our loving Father, glorifying Him and enjoying Him forever. The “American Idol” way of life where we sing our song in front of a panel of judges who are just looking for any little thing to pounce on is not what God intended for us to be. He created us with freedom to enjoy the labors of our hands. Like the athlete, Eric Liddel who was featured in the movie “Chariots of Fire” we aught to pursue excellence not to earn the respect of other people, but because in the execution of our gifts we feel God’s pleasure.
Following Jesus | By Kirk Ward | 12:39 PM
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Comments
“When we let sloth overwhelm us and allow the mind-numbing power of instant-gratification keep us from ever doing anything well or putting any effort into anything of value then we are letting sin diminish the glory of the divine image.”
Nicely put!
Although sloth is not so much my problem, I could easily slip the word “pride” in for “sloth” and relate. In the past Pride has hindered me seeking excellence out of the fear of failure. ESPECIALLY in things like becoming a better singer. I’m learning that becoming excellent (or trying to become excellent) at such things requires trying new techniques. Techniques which often don’t initially sound good, or make you feel silly as a goose doing them.
So good to have bloggers challenging and encouraging one another!
Posted by: Heidi Vincent at March 16, 2007 3:03 PM
A good tack, Kirk, to go back to the way things were the way before they were broken. Things are different, though, as you acknowledge and that journey back may be one in which much grace is needed. Still, I like this way of framing things that we are going back to the settings at which we perform optimally. This makes sense vis a vis sanctification, and regarding gifts it makes sense too. Why wouldn't I hone and use a gift excellently if I have been given it. As Eric Liddell also said, in Chariots of Fire, not to do so is, in a way, to hold God in contempt.
“God made me for a purpose. He made me for China, but He also made me fast and when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt. You were right, it’s not just fun. To win is to honor Him.”
Posted by: Neil E. Das at March 17, 2007 3:52 PM
Thanks for your honesty and reminder of truth.
I agree with your two typest. Last week I leaned on the side of apathy, indifferent about much of anything, and this week I can feel myself leaning on the anxious, trying to "keep it together", hamster wheel mode.
It seems interesting how it's often seen as Christian humility to not accept gifts God has given you- like getting a compliment and not knowing what to do with it.
"His yoke is easy and his burden is light. We are loved and accepted completely by God’s grace. This acceptance is what frees us to become fully human, redeeming the broken, restoring the fallen."-Amen!!
Posted by: Tanya at March 19, 2007 7:48 PM