The Highest Motivation

Will Durant stated, “Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”27 It is the habit of always improving on whatever we do. That was the philosophy of Antonio Stradivari (c. 1644–1737), the great Italian luthier (violin maker), whose instruments are still renowned for their outstanding tonal quality. On May 16, 2006, a Stradivari violin from 1707 sold for US$3.5 million at a New York City auction. Another Stradivari violin on display at the Ashmolean Museum in England is worth nearly US$15 million.

Why are authentic Stradivari (in Italian) or Stradivarius (in Latin) instruments so valuable? Experts explain that the quality of handmade instruments depends on the ability to choose the right wood, the proper tools, the best shape for the instrument, and a good varnish. Regarding the wood, Hungarian luthier Tibor Szemmelveisz says, “There can be huge differences in quality, even in slices from the same tree, depending on whether the slice comes from the southward or northward-facing side of the tree, or from the upper or lower side on a slope.”28 Many people would like the accolades Stradivari earned for his accomplishments, but few would pay the price of his commitment.

To make a valuable contribution in life, we must overcome our natural tendency toward laziness and mediocrity and improve continuously.

A famous statement by an unknown author reads, “Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible. It is the commitment to high quality performance that produces outstanding results of lasting value. Excellence is believing in continuous improvement and never being satisfied with anything being less than it can be. It is quality as a way of life.” Some people are more self-motivated than others. Regardless of where we are on the scale, we have a higher motive for continuous improvement—to glorify God. In the words of Paul, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).

Whatever God does, He always does perfectly; and we, as His ambassadors, should always do our best as well.