Excellence requires two things: extra time and extra effort. It calls for going ‘above and beyond’ what is required of you by others, because you consider it a matter of character and integrity. Now we’re not talking about striving for perfection. That can drive you crazy, and everybody else around you. Perfectionism is based on self-centredness. It seeks approval and applause. Your goal should be to perform every assignment or endeavour as if God Himself required it of you and will be evaluating and rewarding your performance. The old adage, ‘Out of sight, and out of mind,’ does not apply to God; He is mindful of your every activity. ‘Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ’ (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV). That means doing the best possible job, even when the boss is not around. And here’s an important thought: avoid people with poor work habits, or who pooh-pooh your efforts to be excellent. Do you really want to be like them? Are you achieving the kind of results in life that you desire for yourself? If God is your heavenly Father, then you carry His name. ‘O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth’ (Psalm 8:1 KJV). Today pray: ‘Father, give me the desire for excellence in all my endeavours. Help me to live with a constant awareness of your evaluating and loving eye, so that I may do everything as unto you and not unto man. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.’