The pursuit of excellence should be in the forefront of every leader’s mind. If leaders do not excel, it is difficult for followers.

Biblically, we find the idea used frequently. The apostle Paul commended the church at Thessalonica and then urged them to “excel still more.”

Perhaps the most significant use of excellence is found in the writings of Peter. Christians are instructed to keep their behavior excellent among the Gentiles. The idea involves the quality of a Christian’s character in the world.

By definition, Peter writes about conduct contributing to the salvation of others.

The thought is powerful in light of the excellence leaders must demonstrate. We must look at the conduct of our life and ask, “is my example contributing to the salvation of others?” If the answer is no, then we have a responsibility to change. Spiritual leaders have been entrusted with the souls of others. We must pursue a standard of excellence in order to lead the lost to Christ and aid Christians in reaching a dedicated level of faithfulness.

Remember the words of Aristotle, “we are what we repeatedly do – excellence is not an act, it is a habit.”