EXCELLENCE

In Mark 7:37 it is said of Jesus “He has done all things well.”

In this instance the people had brought a deaf-mute to Jesus. When they saw the man was healed, they were “astonished beyond measure”.

Although this is in reference to a specific event, it also reveals Jesus' lifestyle. He consistently revealed the nature and character of God in all things, in everything He did. The “self-righteous” refused Jesus; they had no need for this heavenly Physician. But the poor, the lame, the blind, the deaf, beggars, thieves and prostitutes, all followed Jesus. For the deaf-mute to be healed in itself was extraordinary. But for such an undesirable, unacceptable person to be healed, caused the crowd to marvel and be utterly amazed. They were all eyewitnesses of the goodness and mercy of God.

While thinking about this, I remembered a saying: “the way you do anything, is the way you do everything.”

How we handle everyday tasks, from one thing to the next, reveals a lot about our character. Our culture daily challenges us to become indifferent. “Whatever” and “good enough” have replaced the pursuit of excellence. It becomes increasingly apparent that how we handle one thing is basically how we deal with everything. If you really stop and look at how you deal with any one thing in your life from day to day, you will see the common denominator underlying your behavior in all other areas. It's like a carry over. This is great if you have a personal standard of doing things right the first time. Unfortunately, most people have adapted the quick and easy shortcut way that fosters sloppy, indifferent attitudes. For example, if you barely pay your bills on time, you may also rarely be on time for appointments, and , “in general, have little regard for time sensitive issues.”

It's not just about what we do, but how we do it. Action begins with a thought; thoughts affect attitude and attitudes influence our behavior. Many people don't like their job, or where they live, or their family, etc. They have a 'who cares attitude' and take little pride or care in anything they do.

Looking again to Jesus, we see He didn't just do miracles, but first He was moved by compassion, then He fed the people, healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead. More than a demonstration of power, Jesus revealed the compassionate love, mercy, and justice of God.

These weren't whimsical or arbitrary actions. Jesus lived with 'purpose', fulfilling God's will. He only did what He saw His Father doing. Acts l0:38 tells how “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, Who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Wow...would anyone say that about us? Looking at our own lives, what do we see?

Whatever we do and how ever we do it, is the witness we give others. Jesus went about doing good; His actions were fueled by the presence of God with Him. He did all things well as He yielded to His Father in all things!

How much of what we do is for ourselves and useless in terms of eternal merit? What underlying attitude fuels how we interact with others and go about our daily activities?

Scripture tells us we have the mind of Christ (Phil.2:5)..that in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts l7:28)...and it is Christ in us, the hope of glory...(Col. 1:27).

Self inventory may help us become all that we were created to be. Be challenged to observe how you do one simple thing, but, be forewarned.

Whatever we do and how ever we do it, is the witness we give to others. Jesus went about doing good; His actions were fueled by the presence of God with Him. He did all things well as He yielded to His Father in all things!

How much of what we do is for ourselves and useless in terms of eternal merit? What underlying attitude fuels how we interact with others and go about our daily activities?

Scripture tells us we have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5)...that in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts l7:28)...and it is Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Col. 1:27).

Self-inventory may help us become all that we were created to be. Be challenged to observe how you do one simple thing, but, be forewarned.

Once you realize it is the way you do everything, it will mess you up. The good news is it may be the key to necessary attitude changes and living a 'life of excellence'! (United we stand together in these Last Days!) Hallelujah!


We would most graciously like to thank Pastor BB Rail for allowing us to share this BLOG message with you. For more of Pastor BB's messages, please go to pastorbb@refocusministries.org You may also reach her at www.LSFonline.org