Many people today claim to have a mission—some grand vision or change they hope to achieve through prayer and hard work. Yet, despite their enthusiasm and dreams, they often fall short. One key reason for this is a failure to set the right standards. Without clear, high standards guiding their efforts, their progress becomes inconsistent, and their goals slip further away. It’s not enough to just dream big; you must also set tangible, high expectations for yourself. Your standards determine the quality of your work and how closely you align with your mission’s true potential.
No matter what your mission is—whether it’s creating jobs, empowering youth, eradicating poverty, or building strong churches—without a strong work ethic and high standards, nothing will come of it. Apostle Paul is a perfect example of someone who understood the importance of standards. He tirelessly spread the gospel, planted churches, and mentored others with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Paul wasn’t satisfied with simply preaching; he dedicated himself to ensuring the believers lived up to the high standards of their calling (Philippians 3:13-15). His work ethic and attention to detail allowed his mission to thrive and transform countless lives.
Most of the time, we fall short because we make ourselves the standard, leading to failure. Apostle Paul, however, made Christ the standard, not himself. He urged everyone on his team, including himself, to conform to that higher calling (1 Corinthians 11:1). By setting Christ as the example, Paul ensured that his mission remained rooted in excellence, pushing everyone towards greater heights. When we make ourselves the standard, without an objective ideal like Christ, we tend to settle for mediocrity in our day-to-day operations. To truly succeed, you must hold yourself accountable to a higher, unwavering standard.
