Effective Series: Excellence

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue..." (2 Peter 1:3-5).

We live in a world in which it's (technically) possible for just about anyone to make it to "the top" so long as they have the information, resources, work ethic, and opportunity to get there. It's not an easy path, regardless of what the specific aim is, but it's possible. The issue with a system like this is that 'anyone' can make it to the top, and whoever's at the top tends to have the control. There are people who work their way up using charisma and connections, others it's a mix of talent and hard work, and others still were simply primed for "success" at birth. What I've observed in these worldly systems, though, is that those at the "bottom" of the pyramid tend to be forgotten and left to fend for themselves—and there are usually a lot more people at this bottom than at the top. This is something that most of us are very aware of.

It is true, still, that Bible encourages gifts, talents, and abilities; it often mentions that those who steward what they have well, and those who work hard, will be rewarded (). This, of course, makes sense. While we're here, each of us needs to make a living for ourselves, and regardless of what that looks like, we'll have to apply ourselves. So, to participate in this worldly system isn't necessarily a horrible thing—Jesus even says once, in response to whether his followers should pay their taxes, "give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's" (Mark 12:13-17)—but, success and participation in worldly affairs shouldn't take the highest place in your heart. There's a better way.

A "Backwards" Kingdom

God's Kingdom moves against the world's order. Upon admission to the Kingdom (through faith in Jesus Christ), we're introduced to a system in which the content of one's heart, character, and faith matter more than any ability, talent, money, or worldly power imaginable; and that's without exception. We take part in a system which acts as more of an inverted triangle; the many who live lowly, modest, quiet, or humble lives, regardless of circumstance, are rewarded with the greatest treasures in Heaven and are placed at the "top" of this hierarchy (1 Peter 5:6, 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Unbreakable faith could stand alone, in terms of traits needed to make an eternal impact, but a deep faith and obedience to the Word should lead to growth in the, still necessary, arena of excellence*—after all, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-26). We serve something of a backward God as citizens of a backward Kingdom, relative to the order and ways of the world. Philippians 2 lays out the model for this beautifully, through the example of Jesus Christ:

*The Hebrew word is usually translated as moral excellence, virtue, or goodness. I'm using "excellence" because its literal meaning, "to excel or stand out as a habit," paints a solid image of what I believe we're called to here. It's akin to holiness—"being set apart."

"Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Christ Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

As modeled by the LORD, Himself, the key to success in this Kingdom is humility. In the same vein, a key to effectiveness in our calling is a strong, virtuous character in the sight of God. The natural question might then be "well, what does a virtuous character look like?" The best place to answer that is the Word.

Kingdom Character

Note: None of these traits I'll list and speak on here will, on their own, do anything for you in terms of salvation; the only way into Heaven is by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Bible offers a lot when it comes to the characteristics of a "strong Christian." My favorite section to focus on is one which, in the ESV translation, is entitled "Marks of a True Christian": Romans 12:9-21.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

This is a rather large chunk to speak on in depth (for this platform), but I've emboldened some of the traits that might be seen as backwards in the world's order.

Many of these ideas work against what might be deemed "a natural human response" for most of us; but if the aim is excellence, effectiveness, and obedience to the Word, then a backwards response or action might be what's required. And it's important not to let the appearance of excellence take place over genuine good works: doing good for appearance's sake is actually a deviation goodness (Matthew 6:1-4). I'm of the belief that a heart which is truly surrendered to God and His Spirit is one from which good works and strong character will naturally flow (Proverbs 4:23, John 7:38, Galatians 5:16-25). This leads to what it looks like to actually cultivate this "Kingdom character."

To Look and Be Like God, You've Got to Spend Time With Him and His People

I give this advice often, and I'll probably do so for the rest of my life, because it's so simple and yet so powerful: you have to read your Bible and surround yourself with others who do so, too. That's it, in terms of where to start. Look back on your life and think about all the traits you've picked up from your family, your friends, your favorite actors, your dreams and goals; what makes us who we are is the collection of people and ideas that we spend the most time with. So, if you wish to look more like God, spend time with Him and others who have the same goal. If, for a period of time, this was your most prominent goal, I believe it'd be impossible not to cultivate a heart which is surrendered to the Lord. And that would simply be the beginning (as well as a place to return to often).

A community of believers is foundational in your walk with the Lord; and regardless of where God sends you, your effectiveness in that place or position is greatly dependent upon who you are in your heart, and that is greatly dependent upon the people around you and the content you take in. So be mindful to find a group of people who value humility, honesty, and courage. Seek out that community if you don't have one, and don't take it for granted when you find it. Regardless of where you are in your journey, if you wish to be effective, and once you've solidified (or are strengthening) your faith, be certain not to neglect your

character. It's more valuable than anything money could buy.

Be blessed.

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Verses to Look Back On:

2 Peter 1:3-11*

Psalm 101*

1 Samuel 16:7

Matthew 19:16-30

Romans 12:9-21

James 2:14-26