Toward Excellence

As I wandered around McNeese State University on the first day of my college career, I was awed by the diversity among the students. I met Buddhist students, Muslim students, and atheist students. I met Japanese students, Peruvian students, and students who had never left the swamp of south Louisiana. I met students with mental and physical handicaps, as well as those with mental and physical gifts. While there were various races, religions, languages, and moral standards among us, I observed that there were only two kinds of students. There were those who were asking “What must I do?” and there were those who were asking “Is there anything else that I can do?”

    The ‘what must I do’ student is only interested in doing what is absolutely required in order to graduate or to keep his financial aid in working order. How many classes can I skip? How late can I stay at the party? How little time can I devote to studying and working the math problems? I know that it’s not good, but theoretically, could it be done? What is the absolute least that I can do and still pass with a high D? What must I do? Needless to say that this attitude has serious consequences, and these students are usually gone before the end of their first semester.

    On the other hand, I have encountered a group of young people whose very attitude and appearance command respect. These are they who, in the midst of great challenges, continually ask themselves, “Is there anything else I can do?” These are asking a different caliber of questions. How much time can I spare to devote to study? Should I get a tutor? Can I research this topic more thoroughly? Did I miss something important? These students realize that effort spent on reading and assignments are of great value, even if they are never checked for completion or accuracy by the teacher. These students realize the necessity of class attendance and participation. Neither the student, nor any of his family and friends are surprised when he graduates four years later with honors and an internship. Excellence was always the plan. The thought of giving up had never crossed his mind.
     The division between these young people also manifests itself in the workplace. Instead of coming to work with a “what must I do” attitude, the young overcomer will enter with humility and respect asking the boss, “What else can I do for you?” This younger person, because of his positive attitude, eagerness and willingness to learn, usually excels in job performance and customer relations. This worker goes above and beyond what is expected of him. While he or she is obtaining the best shifts, respect, promotions, positive working environment, and higher wages, the apathetic worker has only done what is absolutely required and begins to wonder “What am I doing wrong?”

     Unfortunately, the same truth applies in the church of Jesus Christ. We are still human and therefore battle carnality. As Bro. Moore once mentioned, There are only two kinds of Christians. There are Rice Crispy Christians: They snap, they crackle, and they pop. Then, there are those that lay at the bottom of the bowl and soak up all the milk. God’s program has never been one of half-hearted effort or sloppy work, but one of excellence, quality, and assured victory. We are all members of the body and have a purpose. It is imperative that we each take our part seriously, and accomplish our purpose with quality and determination as we strive toward a universal goal.

    Most Christians, like myself, have an attitude that falls somewhere between these two extreme examples. However realizing my shortcomings and seeing the goal, I strive toward a more excellent attitude. Most people fail to realize how much value there is in a smile, a positive attitude, and few hours of study, and the occasional “all-nighter. ”The small amount of sacrifice put for the by the determined Christian cannot compare to the elation we will feel on graduation day!

    In conclusion, I would like to tell the story of a crippled bird. Years ago, as my brother and I drove to work each morning, there was a group of birds in the middle of the highway. I don’t know why they were there, but at the sight and sound of the truck, the birds quickly flew to the safety of the trees. One little crow, however, seemed to be crippled and hobbled out of our path each day just in time. One day, the bird did not have enough time to hobble out of the way, so he spread his wings and began to fly! But he didn’t fly fast enough . . . My point? My point is simply this: Crows who have full use of their wings should not be hobbling around in front of traffic. We are fully capable of performing the task at hand. Don’t hobble! FLY!