This week, we will focus on the behaviors that build our character as Mrs Meyer talks about some more habits that can reveal God’s Nature through us. This first one is probably not a habit many people would give much thought to, yet it is an “excellent” description of God. It is actually the Habit of Excellence! She interestingly notes that St Paul never prayed for anyone’s problems to go away. What he did focus on was that they may endure their trials with a good attitude. In other words, that the difficulties would not cause them to stop continuing to give their all. This is what we are talking about here. Excellence speaks about going above and beyond what we have to do. Going that extra mile, as Jesus said. (See Mt 5:41) And what is lovely is, as one of my favorite sayings by the author Henry James puts it, “Excellence does not require perfection.” Even while we are still being transformed from this imperfect human into the immaculate image of Jesus, He will help us do all things with excellence.
She quotes Edward Bliss as saying, “The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic and a terrible waste of time.” You see, we are not talking about acting perfect all the time here. There is a huge difference between the two. If we give all we have to give, then we are being excellent, reflecting our Most Excellent High God. Please never forget the whole purpose to becoming born again is to be different than who we used to be. To stop expressing our old self, that selfish, sinful Jezebel, but to begin revealing Christ in us to this lost and hurting world. Let’s talk more about this habit tomorrow…
14 Good Habits
Behavior 1: The God Habit
Behavior 2: Thoughts, Words and Habits
Behavior 3: The Habit of Being Decisive
Behavior 4: Healthy Habits
Behavior 5: The Happy Habit
Behavior 6: The Faith Habit
Behavior 7: The Habit of Excellence
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
<>< Peace, Diane
