What is real excellence?

We had a teleconference call on excellence earlier this evening. It was an interesting conversation. One of the topics that came up was the idea that earthly excellence has a measuring stick attached to it. We always equate that word with some level of performance - and excellence was the top of the measuring stick. We agreed that we like excellent things, and get caught up in a thinking that teaches us to strive for excellence in our personal dealings. As Christians we get the idea that we are called to excellence. I found myself strongly disagreeing.

I think there are two kinds of excellence. The first is the kind of excellence that uses a qualifiable measure to determine its very existence. In other words, the first type of excellence is something you do. I would agree that God is glorified if we strive to do something well for Him. But I don't believe this is the kind of excellence that He calls us to.

The second excellence, and the one that matters in the kingdom of God, is excellence as a value, as a way of being in life. Excellent being surpasses excellent doing. We can do excellent things in the world, and still be a horrible person. Several years ago there was an Olympic sprinter who was a hopeful for winning the gold, but the story was that he was a complete ass when it came to being on the track. He was arrogant, self centered, not a team player, and very unpopular with the rest of the Olympic team. He was an excellent runner and a poor human being.

There is more to life than excellent performance in the tasks we do. Some of us will never be excellent at what we do. I believe that there is another level of excellence - it is doing what we do with an excellence of personhood that has nothing to do with outcome - it has to do with engagement of heart.

One of the callers tonight told the story of a Downs Syndrome grocery bagger who puts encouraging notes in the bags he packages up for the customers at his grocery store. As she told the story, I realized this young guy was at a level of excellence the highest paid CEO will never attain. His product isn't excellent - his heart's intention is. And what a profound difference.

So what kind of excellent do you want to be?