«Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men» (Proverbs 22:29).
I once read the story of an old carpenter who was about to retire. He had served for many years in a company and the boss was sorry this man was leaving his job since he had been a faithful worker, but he understood the situation and gave him one last project as a personal favor.
The carpenter agreed. Although it was noted that he was not very enthusiastic, he started the project and carried it out. He did a second-rate job and used inadequate materials, but finally fulfilled it. When he finished, the boss inspected the house and gave the carpenter the keys to the house. «Here, the house is yours. It’s my gift in consideration of all these years of dedication, j‘ he told him.
How surprised and remorseful the carpenter was!
Have you ever done any work in a mediocre way and regretted the consequences?
We do not always face the results in the same way as this carpenter did. Not always is the mediocre way of doing things reflected in our work Sometimes the way we live our lives in other ways is what does not reflect excellence.
There are many ways we can deceive others and ourselves.
There is an expression in Argentina that can be read in several ways: «We tie it with wire.» It refers to the ability to adapt to difficulties, but in some ways, it also refers to mediocrity.
God is a God of excellence, order, and perfection. The standard is very high but is also achievable with His help.
Joseph and Daniel are biblical examples of excellence. We know the prosperity Joseph reached because of his career. Perhaps we cannot say as much about Daniel in that sense, but the degree of trust he achieved before all the kings and rulers shows us that his excellence earned him at least the opportunity to continue testifying and fulfilling a task of great responsibility.
You certainly know dedicated people who always seek to give their best. I invite you today to see what characteristics all of them have in common and ask God to help you be a more excellent version of yourself, not necessarily to gain fame and honor, but to be a better imitator of their character.
