The Most Excellent Way

The Prelude to the Bible’s “Love Chapter” (1 Corinthians 13) is in the last verse of
chapter 12. There is a lot of discussion in the first 12 chapters of this apostolic letter regarding
things that are NOT love. There were arguments and conflicts over all sorts of cultural, political,
legal and even spiritual questions. In other words, life in the Corinthian church was just as
messy as today. However, the solutions that the world provides to all of these issues will
NEVER satisfy anyone. The best that the world can do is a way that is “good enough.”
But “good enough” is usually not good and it is never enough. This is because the world
only has one way of looking at things – and that is to focus inward. The world’s solution to
problems is to please yourself. Even the advertisements on TV tell us that “You deserve” to be
beautiful. You deserve to be “compensated” for things not going your way. You deserve to be
heard. You even deserve a “break today.” Never mind, that deep down, we KNOW what we
deserve. And if we don’t, we will.

So, what does the apostle Paul mean when he wants to “show you the most excellent
way?” All of the gifts that you have been blessed with, every opportunity, open door, situation
and everything that makes up a life has a purpose. And that purpose is not to create another
self-centered buffoon for this world. (We have enough.) The most excellent Way is to reflect
God’s Way. It is self-sacrifice. It builds others up. It is what we receive from God’s divine love
that is to be put into service in the lives that have been redeemed.

This Most Excellent Way was our theme for this school year – but like anything from
God’s Word – it’s good (excellent) for every year. So, while we talked about it throughout the
year in chapel messages, devotions and personal conversations – we know from our own
experiences that other ways – get in the way. We will fail. Our students will fail. Everyone’s
life will have failure. And yet, the most excellent part of God’s Way is that our failures have
already been addressed by the self-sacrificing love of Jesus. Because of God’s Way we have
forgiveness and a renewed purpose every day.

Our prayer for our graduates this year (and every year) is that this Most Excellent Way
guides and directs their purpose so that their lives reflect God’s Excellence – both now and in
eternity.

Rev. Paul M. Mehl
Executive Director