Discovering True Excellence by Ps Jim Jung

Discovering True Excellence

A few years ago, I decided to buy a miniature model fishing boat from the local hobby store to ensure I wouldn’t get bored during a break from my work. The instructions for its construction were specific to the last nail and stave. Every piece contained within the box had a purpose. The manufacturer’s directions made a determined plea that, each stage was followed completely before going to the next stage of construction. This was to ensure the construction of an accurate replica.

 

I promptly realised that these directions were written for me. How often have I zealously ploughed ahead without any reference to the construction guide to find that, I have missed a strategically important step in the manufacturing process? Those annoying leftover pieces mock my impatience and self-reliance!

 

The manufacturer of my miniature model fishing boat had obviously spent considerable time, putting together the instructions, materials and methodology for a successful outcome. My job was to understand and follow them. I needed to read the instructions thoroughly, familiarise myself with all of the parts, and then apply the wisdom contained within the manual. Then I needed to proceed at a pace that ensured I did not miss anything out.

 

Due to this exercise, I began to understand what true excellence was really all about. It wasn’t how good my decisions were to improvise, find shortcuts or even change the design to make the job easier. True excellence was found in producing the final product just as the designer had originally designed it to look. Excellence is, therefore, measured in how I honour the designer’s master plan.

 

I could very easily have utilised all of the materials contained within the miniature model’s kit, to create a fishing boat with my own unique features. My task though was to build an exact replica of an 1883 French fishing boat. That job was only going to be completed successfully when the finished product represented the original design I was given.

 

The pursuit of excellence is misguided, when we decide to implement change deviating from the manufacturer’s original design for our lives. Our heavenly Father has woven our lives together with incredible detail and passion. On this matter, the Psalmist says that:

“…He created my inmost being…knit me together in my mother’s womb... I am fearfully and wonderfully made... Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Ps 139:13-16 NIV).

 

My task now, is to understand the process and detail He put into creating my life. I need to read His manual thoroughly, familiarise myself with all of the parts and gifts He has engrained in me. I then apply the wisdom contained within the manual, proceeding at a pace that ensures I do not miss out on anything that He has for me.