Excellence

I have seen that often the difference between good and excellent is in the details. For example, I just bought an exercise machine this weekend, and after putting it together, I found that one screw provided was the wrong size. Just because of that one screw, I am not able to use the machine until I order the one replacement part. All the other parts are there, everything is put together -- all except for the parts that are held together by that one screw. One little seemingly insignificant oversight in packaging, causes me to be unable to use the machine. "Excellence" would likely have caught that mistake. And that is true in other areas of life as well. I know that in my life, I have striven for excellence even if I don't always succeed. Still, I would try to pay attention to the details; and I believe that contributes to the quality of work that I produce and to the effect on my personal life as well. Yet, in our society and culture, I see an inconsistency in the attitude towards excellence. While people are often quick to find fault and criticize, which indicates a recognition of lack of excellence; yet, those who spend the time to pay attention to detail are often viewed negatively as "nit picky", rigid, and excessive. So, the characteristics related to excellence are not often appreciated. This can be also illustrated by a work situation. When the person running a system, pays attention to detail and strives for excellence, the system often runs well, with no major problems. However, the work behind making it run that way usually goes unnoticed and unappreciated. So, the person who strives for excellence must, not only pay attention to details, but also be motivated by the desire for excellence whether or not it is recognized or even appreciated by others. This actually indicates why a person who lives for God, has the benefit of being motivated out of a desire to please God. God is perfect; and when we strive for excellence, we are striving to be more like Him.