I often give myself a harsh time and asking myself to do things without error since i'm the type of person that strives for excellence through perfection (just like Cynthia Heald said in her book of Becoming a Woman of Excellence). Also, I never use the word "excellence" to praise someone because i cannot see anyone perfect in my world of reference.
Until I read parts of Cynthia's book, i came to realize what the bible says about excellence.
1) In Ruth 3:11 (American Standard Version) , Boaz said to Ruth: "...for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence". Ruth being a widow left her own country to live with her bittered mother-in-law in Bethlehem and she maintained their lives by gathering leftover grains in Boax's field. Despite her unfortunateness, people in town still praised her that she has a strong, worthy and noble character.
2) If we look at the original meaning in Hebrew or Greek for bible verses that describes excellence (i.e. Proverbs 31:29 or 1 Corinthians 14:12), we'll see that in Greek for the New Testament bible verses, the word excellent comes from diaphero, which literally means "transport" or "differ." In Hebrew for old testamanet comes from alah, which means "to ascend." Both these words encourage us to be different than the norm through the qualities of virtue and goodness.
I immediately realized in God's perspective, being excellence means to trust HIM and not allowing any circumstances to dictate our behaviour and responses (just like Ruth). Also, "do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12:2
~ cC
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