Askari X
University
Author Note
What is the Difference between Success and Excellence?
In our present day, I would argue that most people settle for success over excellence. Success being the type of car they drive, the designer brands of clothes they wear, the type of house or neighborhood they live in, by their occupation, how much money they make or have in their bank account. Some even base it on the number of letters that appear at the end of their name. James Henslin (2010) in his book Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach, credits the Sociologist Max Weber for saying “Social class has three components property, power and prestige” (p. 238). Media, our environment and peers push these components upon us on a daily basis. Phrases like “he made it”, “I have to keep up with the Joneses” or “living the American dream” are a few that come to mind, that show how wealth is equated with success. According to Jon Johnston (1996) in his book Christian Excellence-Alternative to Success, he states “Success bases our worth on a comparison to others and Excellence gauges our value by measuring us against our own potential” (p. 32). This paper examines how Johnston distinguishes success from excellence and how these concepts apply to my life.
God looks at the heart of man (internal) while we tend to look the good someone does or their deeds (external). Matthew 15:18 states “But those things which proceed out of the mouth comes from the heart and they defile a man” (NKJV). When I strive for success and set up a perception of how and where I am in life in comparison to my peers, I could feel good about myself. Yet, if I base my perception on where God wants me to be and use as yardstick against my position and potential, I may not feel so good about myself. As Johnston (1996) revised his response regarding dental hygiene “I had kept my mouth very clean…I maintain a clean mouth-compared to a camel” (p. 32). I want to do the same and hold myself to a standard of excellence. When we compare ourselves to anything other than the word of God, we become complacent.
References
Henslin, J. M. (2010). Sociology: a down-to-earth approach. Boston, MA: Pearson Publishing.
Johnston, J. (1996). Christian Excellence-alternative to success. Franklin, TN: JKO Publishing.
References: Henslin, J. M. (2010). Sociology: a down-to-earth approach. Boston, MA: Pearson Publishing. Johnston, J. (1996). Christian Excellence-alternative to success. Franklin, TN: JKO Publishing.
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