Women

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Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him over the whole realm.
-Daniel 6:3a (NKJV)

We live in a world that often tries to force its expectations upon us. Every day the media tells us how to look, how to behave, how to eat, how to dress and countless other things. Our family and friends may even have their own expectations of us. And let's not forget the expectations we place on ourselves.

We can spend a lot of time consciously or unconsciously trying to live up to all of these expectations. However, there's a big problem with trying to meet everybody else's expectations. You can find yourself striving to be perfect.

That's not what God expects of His children. He is perfect; we're not. The quest for a perfect job, perfect mate, perfect children or perfect life is a never ending quest that none of us will ever achieve. Instead, we should make a spirit of excellence our goal.

A woman of excellence does not get caught up in the expectations of the world. Scripture says that we are to work and live with excellence as unto God - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)

A great example of this concept in action is found in the book of Daniel. While Daniel was a teenage exile in Babylon, he promised God that he would not defile himself in the pagan land. Daniel remained faithful to God and in his responsibilities to the Babylonian government.

Daniel 6:1-3 says, "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him over the whole realm."

Daniel shows us that it is possible to live a godly and meaningful life under a system hostile to God - no matter what expectations it may try to place on us. You too can live as an excellent woman. Cultivating a spirit of excellence in all that you do honors the Lord. And if you struggle with perfectionism, a spirit of excellence will free you from that burden.

My Challenge to You This Week:
There's nothing wrong with wanting order in your life as long as that desire does not leave you wanting things to be perfect. There has to be balance and a spirit of excellence will help you get it. Take a few minutes and think about your current struggles. Are you struggling because of someone else's expectations for you? Or, do you want certain things in your life to be perfect? If you find yourself in either situation, remember that all of us have sinned and we fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Perfectionism is unrealistic but becoming a woman of excellence is a goal we can all reach.

© 2007 Joyce M. Averils. All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article on your website or your own ezine? No problem! But here is what you MUST include: Joyce M. Averils, is a Bible Teacher/Speaker/Coach and author of The Busy Woman's Prayer Journal - My Guide to Daily Communications with God. Get your free mini-Bible Study, "The Beauty Trap - Where Do You Get Your Self-Worth?" at http://www.RefreshYourFaith.com

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