Excellence

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men….”

                                          –Paul, Col. 3:23

Given the cultural setting in which we live, one way that Christians can honor the Lord is by distinguishing themselves as hard workers. It is very good that Christians in the past were recognized for their ‘Protestant work ethic,’ a phrase that connoted diligence and perseverance. Such actions reflect gloriously on the Master and Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ, who was Himself an incredibly hard worker—even when functioning like the humblest slave (John 13:1-16).

So then, students, do your work with excellence! Exercise diligence in your studies and in your service, regardless of what the nature of your work is. Paul said, “Whatever you do…” was to be done as for the Lord.

In addition, all work is to be done heartily, which uses a Greek phrase that means ‘with soul’ or ‘with breath.’ The idea is that we would work so fully, capably, and happily that it seems like we are doing the work for God Himself instead of some human master. Both at school and at our vocation, the quality of our work should be so high that if it were worshipfully submitted to God it would be a pleasing sacrifice in His holy eyes.

Strive for excellence in all the labor that the Lord has given you. When you excel, humbly ensure that the Lord gets all the glory for your work, knowing that He has done this good thing in you. I trust that such an offering will be pleasing in His eyes.

--Dean of Admissions