Mensa Otabil - Excellence Is Observable
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We are looking at the subject of excellence, and we go to the Book of Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 29. «Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.» Do you see a man who excels in his work? Other translations use the word " diligence» instead of «excellence,» and it describes the same attitude of a person who is very meticulous, pays attention to what they do, and does not pay lip service to their work. So, excellence is a quality, but the quality comes from an attitude-specifically, the attitude of being diligent in what you do and paying attention to the little things in front of you. The quality of a person’s work-not his contacts, not the bribes they pay, not favors from other people, nor being patronized — is the most important thing that gives you access in life.
You know, in our part of the world, people think contacts are important, and I believe they hold some value. But what if you don’t know anybody? Many people have excelled in life without knowing anyone. The quality of your work is the most important thing. Instead of just making contacts, be diligent in improving your work. The passage talks about things related to excellence; it says, «Do you see a man who excels in his work?» Excellence has to do with what we do. What you do must be excellent-your work, your activity. If it’s service for God, being in church, there must be excellence. That’s why, if you want to worship God, you should go to church on time. When you serve in the church, do things with diligence; do not act absent-mindedly. There must be diligence, and excellence is in what we do, whether you are a preacher, a singer, an engineer, a lawyer, a teacher, a carpenter, or a fashion designer. Whatever you do, there has to be a mark on it that sets you apart.
The passage tells us what happens when there is diligence and excellence in our work: it says it will bring you before kings. Here, the word «kings» stands for people who make decisions- people of authority, people of influence. So, it didn’t say that your bribes will bring you before kings, nor did it say that whom you know will bring you before kings; it says your work will bring you before kings. Your work will make a way for you if you commit to merit. Merit is doing things and allowing those things to speak for you. We, as a society, must build a merit-based society where people’s works advance them in life. Your work will make a way before you; you will stand before kings.
The truth we learn here is that excellence is observable; it is identifiable. When somebody is excellent, even if they are in a village with no visibility, they will be noticed. That’s why sometimes football scouts can go to a village and find talent there, because excellence cannot be hidden. Even a village cannot hide excellent work; if you put it out, you will be noticed. This proverb tells us that even when you don’t like publicity and don’t want people to pay attention to you-maybe you are quiet, introverted, and don’t want to make too much noise about yourself — if you work well, your work will make the noise about you. If you commit to that, just keep your heart focused and be diligent, that work will bring you before the places of influence that you seek. May the Lord help us to be excellent in all that we do.
Let’s pray: Say with me, «Heavenly Father, you are the rewarder of my work. Shine your light on the work of my hands; in Jesus' name, Amen and Amen.» Well, I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.