Excellence Over Perfection: The Journey to Becoming Whole
Have you ever felt like you weren't "good enough" because you made a mistake? Most of us think "perfection" means never messing up. We think it’s like getting a 100% on a test or playing a song without hitting a wrong note. But in the Bible, the word for perfection actually means something much better. It’s not about being flawless; it’s about becoming who you were designed to be.
Main Concepts
Maturity over Mistakes (Teleios): Biblical perfection isn't a 100% score; it’s being "full-grown." Excellence is the commitment to ripen and mature through every season.
Wholeness over Performance (Tamim): Excellence is about integrity and showing up with a "whole heart." It’s the daily practice that builds solid character over time.
Mending over the Gap (Katartizo): God "mends" and "equips" us as we go. We focus on the gains (how far we’ve come) rather than the gap (how far we have to go).
Point 1: Perfection is Maturity, Not a Perfect Score
In the New Testament, the Greek word for perfect is Teleios. It doesn't mean "no mistakes." It means "full-grown" or "mature." Think of a green apple. Is it "wrong" because it’s not ripe yet? No, it’s just in process. Excellence is the commitment to keep growing until you reach that "ripe" stage.
As Proverbs 22:29 (NLT) says:
"Do you see any truly able workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people."
When you focus on being "able" and growing in your skill, people notice. You don't have to be the best in the world on Day 1; you just have to be willing to grow.
Scripture to Remember: "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16, NLT)
Motivational Question: If you knew that making a mistake was just a sign that you are "growing toward maturity," how would that change how much you practiced this week?
Point 2: Excellence is About Practice, Not Just Performance
The Hebrew word Tamim describes someone as "perfect," but it really means "whole" or "having integrity." It’s like a building that is solid all the way through. You get that "solidity" by showing up every day. Excellence is a process, not a one-time event. An artist doesn't paint a masterpiece first try; she practices and refines. Similarly, becoming an excellent follower of Jesus takes practice and it takes time.
1 Timothy 4:15 (NLT) tells us:
"Give your complete attention to these duties. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress."
Notice it says people should see your progress, not your perfection. When we "immerse" ourselves in the practice, the results eventually take care of themselves.
Scripture to Remember: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Colossians 3:23, NLT)
Motivational Question: What is one thing you’ve been afraid to try because you’re worried about the "performance," and what would it look like to just enjoy the "practice" instead?
Point 3: Focus on the Gains, Not Just the Gaps
The Greek word Katartizo means "to mend" or "to equip." It’s the kind of perfection where God repairs our broken parts so we can keep going. Often, we get discouraged because we see the "gap"—the distance between where we are and where we want to be. But excellence looks at the "gains"—how far God has already brought you.
Philippians 3:12 (NLT) is a great reminder:
"I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me."
Paul wasn't perfect, but he was pressing on. He was looking at the next step, not the mountain peak.
Scripture to Remember: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13, NLT)
Motivational Question: Looking back at the last three months, what is one "gain" or small victory you’ve had that proves you are moving in the right direction?
Conclusion & Action Plan
Excellence isn't about being "flawless." It’s about being Teleios (mature), Tamim (whole), and Katartizo (equipped). It’s choosing progress over perfection every single day.
New challenges for us to put these things into practice
The Bible says we need to be doers of the word. So let's try at least one or more of the following:
The 15-Minute Rule: Pick one skill (sports, music, math, art) and practice for 15 minutes a day for 7 days. Don't worry about the outcome; just show up.
The Gain List: Write down 3 areas where you have improved in the last season.
The Next Step: Identify one small "act of obedience" or one habit you can start this week to keep pressing forward.
