8. Getting versus Giving

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, it says “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” It is not about what we gain when we serve. But it is about what we can give when we serve. A lot of people nowadays in networking look at networking on what they can gain out of it when they are at the gathering. Why not look at it on what you can give out of the networking. If we are constantly looking for praise and encouragement from people, benefits from other people, we will be disappointed and end up being a man-pleaser. But if we have an attitude of a servant, desiring to give and help, we will find fulfilment and satisfaction in God for God will be the one to reward us. I have met leaders in ministry works who give up when they feel unappreciated by other fellow men. While we need encouragement, our attitude should still be of giving rather than taking. Networking in business should be like this. I want to give those in business a challenge as they go for their next networking gathering. Instead of thinking what they can gain out of it, think about what you can give to others in the networking group. Instead of using people to win things, use things to win people. How can you turn everything around by being a person with excellent thinking? These are examples of excellent thinking – “I want to win you over so I honour you. I want to win you over so I bless you. I am a blessing to you even before you are a blessing to me. There is nothing I want to take from you. I just want to bless you.”

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3. Self-centered versus Spirit-centered

You are not self-centered but Spirit-centered. Zechariah 4:6 says “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Sometime, when we ask people to come forth to serve in the ministry and to serve God, they say they are not adequate or good enough. But we got to understand that God is not looking for perfect vessel but willing vessel. Your lifestyle is going to grow more and more into perfection. But God is looking for a willing heart that He can pour out His anointing and Spirit upon you. So it is not to find the source within yourself but to lean upon God who will empower you and give you a vision. I said earlier that when God gives you the vision, He will give you the provision.

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HOW DO WE APPLY IT?

All these above are the foundation of excellent thinking. But what can we do practically to change the way we think? How we do it to ensure that our right thinking will lead to right behaviour and methods?

When we think correctly, our methods will be correct. It is crucial for you to know that excellence is not the same as extremism. Just because God expects you to be excellent, He doesn’t expect you to be an extremist. Setting high standard for yourself is good but demanding perfectionism is being extremist. Perfectionism is different from excellence. Perfectionism does not allow for mistake. Each time, it is not good enough and you blame yourself for not getting it right. Being an extremist can lead to depression, being suicidal and low self-esteem. This is not excellence. (more…)

Excellence Is To Outdo Yourself Each Time

Some people mistakenly expect that after they become a Christian, God will show them special favours. They think that the teachers will be less strict with their papers so they pray that God please help their teachers to be blind, even if the answer is wrong, the teacher will mark it correct. Some teachings may say that if you are a Christian, all things will be successful and you will have no problems in life. It will be bliss. Do you think this is favour? Let me tell you. It doesn’t work that way in life. In fact, it is the other way round. Now that you are a Christian, you have all the resources in your hands that you didn’t have before. You now have the word of God and the Holy Spirit to guide you. You have the power of prayer. You have the wisdom from heaven above to draw upon for James said that those who lack wisdom can ask of God freely and it will be given to you freely without reproach. (more…)

Excellence Is To Transcend Your Job Description

An average person says “this is not my job. I am not paid to do this. I don’t care.” But an excellent person says “I am here to provide the best possible service to my client or to my employer. Even if I am not paid to do this, I will do it for the sake of the customer. I will do it for my company. I’ll go an extra mile for them.” (more…)