Is Competency Unacceptable?
Competency is unacceptable to incompetent people.
Have you ever noticed that people in the workplace do not always give their best effort and perform their job the way it was intended? Of course you have! Seems to be a ridiculous question but when you think of all the implications of this idea, several truths need to be thought through and assimilated.
Truths for Competent Living and Leading
Truth #1—A competent person’s work will reveal incompetent workers.
It is not that one is trying to show up some other workers. Rather, when you do your work as though you are serving the Lord Christ Himself, you will have the highest standard possible. When you have a high standard of service, it will naturally reveal any low standards of work (just doing the minimum instead of the maximum). Look at this passage:
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-34
Truth #2—A competent person’s leadership will be chosen over incompetent workers.
Competent leaders are looking for competent leaders! Whether at home, church, or the workplace, you should do just what Joseph did when Pharaoh had Joseph manage his possessions. Joseph looked for competent people to take the chief positions (Genesis 47:6-And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock).
Many times, a worker gets upset because they were not chosen for a particular position or assignment. Could it be that they simply didn’t reach the highest standard of competency? Most likely. Your level of competency should encourage higher goal setting and strategies for achieving the best possible outcome in the lives of others. If others do not strive to higher competency, they will likely become bitter, not better.
Truth #3—A competent person will be commended by other competent people.
Competent people do not measure themselves by themselves. To measure yourself as competent will be an exercise in personal flattery. Let your work speak for itself. When other competent people see your standard of excellence, they will commend you and be challenged and encouraged to raise their standard also.
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12
Let your work, leadership, and relationships reveal the competency of your actions. God asked Cain, “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” (Genesis 4:7). Diligently work, lead, and love and you will be accepted by competent people and commended.
Please remember, competency is unacceptable to incompetent people. Don’t lower your standard of performance by those around you. Remember your life as a believer is to raise the standard that honors Christ in all you do!
For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
2 Corinthians 5:12