Guideline #4: DO EVERYTHING WITH EXCELLENCE

SERIES: “GOD-GIVEN GUIDELINES FOR GROWING A GREAT CHURCH”
(Idea and some material from Bob Russel’s When God Builds A Church)

TEXT: MALACHI 1:6-14 (announce but don’t read)

TITLE: Guideline #4: “DO EVERYTHING WITH EXCELLENCE”

INTRODUCTION: A. On October 13, 1962, a little boy was born in Starkville, Mississippi. His name
was Jerry and his father was a bricklayer. As the young boy grew and matured, he
and his brothers would go with their father to the job-site to help out. As he
continued to grow, Jerry joined his father on the platform while his younger brothers
would throw bricks up one-by-one for Jerry to stack for his dad.
Jerry never dreamed that in catching brick after brick he was preparing for one of
the most prolific football careers that any receiver would ever experience. The Jerry
I’m speaking about is the great Jerry Rice, 19 year veteran of the NFL – 15 years with
the San Francisico 49ers and now in his fourth season with the Oakland Raiders.
Jerry Rice graduated from high and attended tiny Mississippi Valley State on a
football scholarship. Out of college he was drafted in the first round as the 16th
overall pick of the 1985 draft by the S.F. 49ers. He wasn’t even the first receiver
chosen. There were two other receivers drafted before him: the NY Jets drafted Al
Toon and then the Cincinnati Bengals chose Eddie Brown before Jerry was ever
given the nod. Anyone know where those guys are now?
In his 19 years in professional football, Rice has always been known as the hardest
worker in his chosen career. A good example of his dedication to excellence comes
from several years ago while he was still with the S.F. 49ers. He arrived at training
camp five days early – the time when the rookies were to report. Why would he do
something like that? Jerry Rice is a champion who strives for excellence in what he
does.
The S.F. Chronicle reported this phenomenal work ethic. 49ers coach Steve
Mariucci was quoted as saying, “Jerry Rice was not invited to the rookies and
selected veteran camp. But he shows up anyway. He’s been here since Monday. Is
there any wonder why the guy is the greatest. We’re going to have to tell him, ‘Jerry,
get out of here. Let the other guys get some work, please..’” (S.F. Chronicle,