The Pursuit for Excellence

The whole world is geared up for the pursuit for excellence. But the excellence here means success and victory. People do not want Defeat. Defeat is almost associated with losers and cowards, so they believe. Because of the hunger for success and victory, people end up by using immoral, unethical and inhumane methods and ways to get there. Corruption is a common vocabulary in every country. It exists in the political world as well as business and spiritual world. How then can we face it, especially in the church?

We are called to be in the world and not of the world. How can we do that? It has been the  struggle of the church throughout the centuries. Some have succeeded but others did not. To be ‘in the world’ can mean focusing only on God and putting aside the things of the world like power, position, pleasure and purse. In other words, to be ‘of the world’ will mean seeking the importance on power, position, pleasure and purse. Do you agree?

I have seen so many so-called great people crumble over this 4Ps. No wonder Jesus told us to deny oneself, take up our own cross daily and follow him. Apostle Paul did it and he became our greatest admirer and contributor. Mother Theresa also did it and she became exemplary to the world. How come we have not and cannot learn from them?

Let us put off the old 4Ps and replace with a set of new 4Ps i.e. Proclamation of the Word of God with clarity, Persuasion with conviction, being Presence in person with compassion, Providing with love.

Power            vs         Proclamation  (use our power to proclaim)
Position         vs         Persuasion  (use our position to persuade)
Pleasure        vs         Presence  (use our pleasure to be present)
Purse            vs         Providing  (use our purse to provide)

Can we do this to bring back the goodness of the Lord to this world?

(Sept 9th, 2008 posted in another place)