Excellence by Andreas Kostenberger

This was my first book of 2012 to read through and I think it is going to be hard to find another book this year that will be able to top it as the Most Important Book that I read for 2012.

Andreas Köstenberger is writing this book for Theological Scholars, especially those who write books, articles and blogs.  His desire is to express to them the need for Excellence in all their work.  But while he is addressing scholars (of which I am not) he also states that this book is for non-scholars as well.  The principles that he expresses are necessary in the lives of every Christian, not just scholars.  But there will be sections of the book that you will note are written specifically with Scholars in mind.  But it’s OK, you will glean wisdom from these sections as well.

Köstenberger’s desire is that all Christians would see the need to strive for Excellence in all they do since what they are doing is as unto the Lord.  Their lives, their work, their play, their families, their worship is all done as unto the Lord, so it deserves our best.  He reminds us that Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount told us, “You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).  We have no option.

With that thought in mind he starts his book discussing the foundations of excellence in all that we do.  He approaches the topic from a clear Biblical perspective and develops his argument well with the use of lots of scripture.  As part of focusing on the Foundations he brings to thought the need for Holiness and Spirituality in our lives.  Two concepts that we must strive for as Disciples of Christ.

The rest of the book deals with the Christian Virtues that we must develop in our lives.  He starts with Vocational Excellence then Moral Excellence and finally Relational Excellence.

What is fascinating is that each of the Christian Virtues that he develops flow into the next virtue and are dependent upon the following virtue being present so that the virtue being discussed can be fully realized and implemented in our lives.

Each Chapter develops one of these virtues.  They include;

Diligence

Courage

Passion

Restraint

Creativity

Eloquence

Integrity

Fidelity

Wisdom

Grace 

Humility

Interdependence

Love

You will note and he points it out well that these virtues following along the fruits of the Spirit that Paul describes in his epistles. 

The question is, how well are you developing these virtues in your life?  Do you strive to develop these for the Glory of the Lord?  Do you strive to serve your Lord and Master in everything you do and then do it to the best of your abilities?

This book is not a quick easy read, but you will discover that you can’t put it down.  You want to finish it.

I finished it three days ago but waited to write a review because I wanted to ruminate on what I learned.  The more I meditated on the work, the more  I relized my complete failure to live a life of Excellence for the Lord.  It has lead me to a renewed vision and desire to serve the Lord with Excellence.

I am sure the book will have the same impact on your life if you read it with an open mind and start with the prayer of asking the Holy Spirit to teach you, lead you,  and reveal to you the areas in your life where you need to grow.

God bless and enjoy!