Excellence or Excuses?

“We make things too complicated, don’t you think?” 

My friend’s wise word gave me pause. Her observation related to our discussion on our pastor’s recent teaching from Proverbs 23, “Wise people always ask – is the path I’m on leading me to where I want to go?” 

Listen, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
Proverbs 23:19 NASB

Admittedly, I have struggled to find my way at the start of this year. While many new years bring anticipation, excitement, and renewal, this time around, I wrestle to uncover these positive emotions. Instead, I observe myself lacking enthusiasm. My attempt to look forward seems futile, and I have found it hard to dream or even pray.

It appears that once again, I have found myself in the trap of the here and now – believing that my circumstances should bring fulfillment. And as usual, this unhealthy path yields nothing but self-pity, envy, laziness, and disappointment.

For days, I cried to God for help, and He began the work of unwinding my thoughts and lining them up with His truth. One morning, I read the reminder I needed, “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” (Proverbs 25:28) 

A lack of self-control is like leaving the front door to our house wide open at night, begging someone to break in. Or like piling objects too high, disregarding the fact they will soon topple over. 

My friend was right – I make things too complicated. I want to control my future through my calendar and planning, but that is not the wise path. 

The wise person recognizes that our thoughts reveal who we are becoming. They show our control or lack thereof. They display our future – good or bad. And they expose our inner person – for better or for worse.

The path I naturally desire is about me and what I can accomplish, but God’s way is focused on character, quality, and integrity. Forging the wise path is dependent on learning self-control. 

What about you? What is happening in your head this year? What lies are you allowing to govern your thinking? 

Maybe its:

• I’m not good enough. 
• The world is falling apart, and there is no hope. 
• No one loves me. 
• I am alone. 
• There is no point in trying. 
• It doesn’t matter what I do; nothing will change.

Hold that thought while we look at two contrasting proverbs highlighting an essential aspect of exercising self-control:

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Proverbs 22:29

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside, I will be killed in the streets!’”
Proverbs 22:13

Do you see the difference? One is a path of excellence, the other a path of laziness.

• A person of excellence chooses to do their best, no matter what life throws their way. A lazy person makes excuses. 
• A person of excellence consistently brings their best to the table, while the lazy person always has a reason to stay away. 
• A person of excellence takes on challenging tasks. A lazy person always finds a reason to avoid hard work. 
• A person of excellence gains traction because of wise choices. A lazy person never begins; therefore, they never experience momentum. 
• A person of excellence finds open doors, while a lazy person remains stuck. 

You and I have a choice – will we be a person of excellence or excuses? If we look for reasons to give up, we will always find them. But if we are searching for hope and purpose, we will find those too. 

Don’t make things too complicated by getting caught up in the here and now. Instead, lift your eyes to God. And work on you – building the character that yields the life you aspire to live.