Pursue Excellence, Not Perfection

Theme: Pursue Excellence, Not Perfection

Verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Have you ever heard the saying, “Perfection is the enemy of the good”? It reminds us that in striving for perfection, we often hesitate to act. The truth is, perfection is beyond our reach. Only Jesus, who walked the earth with divine authority, achieved true perfection.

If we make perfection our standard, we risk alienating those who need Jesus the most. The illusion of our own “perfection” can create barriers, preventing others from seeing the grace Christ offers through His sacrifice.

Instead, let’s pursue excellence—a commitment to a high standard while embracing growth, grace, and redemption when we stumble

Baseball provides a great analogy for this mindset. No Major League team has ever won every game in a season, yet a champion is crowned each year. A hitter may have a perfect day at the plate—getting a hit every time—or a pitcher may throw a perfect game, facing 27 batters without allowing a baserunner. Yet, in the grand scheme of a career, hitters who succeed only 3 or 4 times out of every 10 at-bats are considered Hall of Fame-worthy. Meanwhile, just 24 perfect games have been recorded in over 150 years of MLB history.

Players strive for excellence, knowing that one mistake doesn’t disqualify them from stepping up again in the next game.

We should adopt the same mindset in our lives—offering grace to those who falter and striving to live by biblical principles. And when we fall short, we can rest in the grace freely given through Jesus’ sacrifice.

If we embrace this truth, we will stand before Christ, welcomed into His Hall of Fame—not because of perfection, but because of His redeeming grace.

Have a GREAT week!

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley