In the divine blueprint of life, God has not called us to live average or ordinary lives. We are designed to surpass mediocrity and achieve greatness that reflects His glory. Isaiah 28:29 (KJV) declares, “This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” This verse emphasizes that God’s ways are marked by excellence, and as His children, we are called to rise above mediocrity, embodying the same spirit of excellence in everything we do.
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Living a Life of Purpose
Living a life of purpose means aligning every aspect of your existence with God’s divine will and plan. It’s about understanding that you were created for a reason, and your life has a unique mission that only you can fulfill. This mission is not merely about personal achievements or success; it’s about contributing to God’s Kingdom and leaving a lasting impact on the world. To live purposefully is to live intentionally, making decisions that propel you toward your God-ordained destiny rather than settling for the path of least resistance.
In God’s Agenda, You Are Not Permitted to Be Average
God’s plan for each of us goes beyond merely existing; it calls us to excel and fulfill a purpose that transcends the ordinary. Mediocrity is not an option in God’s agenda. To rise above it means to surpass average standards and to achieve something higher, something that reflects the excellence of God Himself. As believers, we are expected to live lives that not only meet but exceed the expectations set by the world, showcasing the transformative power of Christ within us.
Factors to Rise Above Mediocrity
1. Excellence: The Hallmark of a Purposeful Life
Excellence is the quality that sets apart those who are committed to fulfilling their God-given purpose from those who settle for less. In all that you do, have a touch of excellence—never settle for less. It’s either you settle for mediocrity or you settle for excellence. Autograph everything you do with excellence.
To be driven by excellence, you must first develop a positive attitude. Your attitude is the lens through which you view life, and it determines the quality of your actions and outcomes. Proverbs 22:29 (KJV) states, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” This verse highlights the direct correlation between diligence, which is rooted in a positive attitude, and excellence.
Consider the significance of attitude in achieving excellence:
- A – 1%: The first letter of “attitude” signifies the beginning of excellence.
- T – 20%: Thrice, the letter T emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in maintaining a positive attitude.
- I – 9%: Represents the individual’s role in cultivating a mindset of excellence.
- U – 21%: The understanding that “you” are responsible for your attitude.
- D – 4%: The determination required to maintain a positive outlook.
- E – 5%: Excellence is the end goal, achieved through a positive attitude.
Altogether, your attitude defines who you are, and it is 100% of who you are. Work on your attitude positively to be excellent. This principle is exemplified in the life of David, who, despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd, displayed excellence in his work, leading to his selection as king (Psalm 78:70-72, KJV).
2. Embrace Integrity: The Foundation of a Life Above Mediocrity
Integrity is the bedrock upon which living a life of purpose is built. To live above mediocrity, you must embrace integrity as a core value. Proverbs 11:3 (KJV) reminds us, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Integrity guides your decisions, ensuring that your actions are aligned with your values and with God’s will.
When you walk in integrity, you gain credibility, not just in the eyes of others, but more importantly, before God. Consider the story of Daniel, who was found to be without fault in his conduct, despite the scrutiny of his peers. Daniel 6:4 (KJV) says, “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.”
Daniel’s unwavering integrity elevated him above his peers and set him apart as a man of excellence. Focus on integrity if you want to live a purposeful life above average. People with integrity are those whose words match their deeds, and whose behavior mirrors their values. Integrity requires impeccable honesty and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Proverbs 22:1 (KJV) reinforces this by stating, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” In order to live a purposeful life and rise above mediocrity, you need to have a touch of excellence and embrace integrity.
In Summary
To summarize, living a life of purpose involves a conscious decision to rise above mediocrity. In God’s agenda, you are not permitted to be average; rather, you are called to reflect His excellence in every area of your life. By committing to excellence and embracing integrity, you set yourself on a path to fulfilling your divine purpose. Remember, your attitude and integrity are key factors that define who you are and how you live out your purpose. Choose today to autograph your life with excellence and integrity, and watch as you rise above the ordinary into the extraordinary life God has designed for you.
