ACHIEVERS For HIS Glory

Are you familiar with the term “overachiever?” An abbreviated definition from the Oxford dictionary defines it thusly: “someone who consistently performs or succeeds beyond expected or normal levels, driven by a strong desire to succeed.”

Now there is nothing intrinsically wrong with being an overachiever. Typically, we parents and grandparents are the earliest cheerleaders of our children embarking on this path of pursuing excellence. Society in many instances champions and rewards it, though not always. Ecclesiastes 9:11 reminds us that the race isn’t always to the swift and neither are riches to those of intelligence and understanding, nor favor to men of ability.

I’m not encouraging what was termed several years ago, “the soft bigotry of mediocrity;” but I am urging the pursuit of balance for those desiring to please the God who says He is the Supplier of all that we need. Proverbs 14:23 says “all hard work brings a profit,” but, dear reader, working to the point of exhaustion begs the question: Does overachievement net us any lasting benefits beyond this life? Are fulfilling the lust of the eyes, the flesh, or pursuing the pride of life sufficient reasons for coveting the identification of oneself as an overachiever? What is the actual “going price” these days for being one? Peace of mind? A healthy marriage? Being an accessible and attentive spouse or parent? The Word of God poses the question best: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul [Mark 8:36]?”

PRAYER: Dear Abba, grant Your children wisdom, discernment, and a lasting spirit of contentment as we pursue excellence in this life. May our achievement goals glorify You and point others to Your excellencies! In Jesus’ name, I pray and thank You; amen!
By Sis. Denise T. Diggs