In today's self-gratifying and incomplete world, thoroughness is often overlooked. However, some individuals stand out in their commitment to delivering exceptional work inwardly and outwardly. They leave no stone unturned and set the standard for excellence. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 26-27, Jesus exemplifies the importance of thoroughness by instructing his disciples to partake in the Last Supper with utmost attention to detail and reverence for their new reality where Christian Character Counts.
Thoroughness is a character trait involving meticulousness, care, and comprehension of one's work or actions. For Christians, these values are fueled by their love for God and a personal commitment to excellence. It requires focusing on even the smallest details, ensuring completeness, and striving for accuracy and precision. Thoroughness is marked by an unwavering dedication to addressing all necessary aspects, rigorously verifying information, and upholding high-quality standards.
When an individual lacks thoroughness, it can lead to errors, a lack of trust and credibility, inefficiency, and missed opportunities for personal and collective growth. Thoroughness is crucial for building trust and credibility. If Christians or God's institutions, such as marriage, families, and churches, demonstrate inattention or fail to address essential factors, trust is eroded, and Christ's testimony is weakened. Inefficiency is another challenge when thoroughness is not honored. It contributes to inefficiency by increasing the need for rework or corrections, wasting time and resources, and staining incomplete work; error becomes the identity. It can hinder personal progress and productivity, and missed opportunities can hinder personal and collective progress where the faith suffers, and neglect takes over.
The good news is that thoroughness can be cultivated and improved. By focusing on attention to detail, verifying information, and upholding quality standards, one can become more thorough in one's love and work, increase efficiency and effectiveness, and build trust and credibility. Cultivating thoroughness as a Christian is a lifelong journey that requires commitment, humility, and a willingness to continually learn and grow in one’s understanding of God and his teachings. There are many things one can do to develop thoroughness in one's character; however, the best advice I can give is to focus on living out the teachings of Christ. Thoroughness in the Christian faith is not just about knowledge but also about putting that knowledge into action. Recall, “Belief + Actions = Faith.” Christians are called to love God and love their neighbors as themselves. This involves living a life of integrity, compassion, forgiveness, and service to others with thoroughness.
By cultivating thoroughness in life and your Christian faith, you will increase your efficiency and effectiveness personally and build trust and credibility with others. You will be a shining example of Christ’s teachings and contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom. Always remember that cultivating this Christ-like trait is a day-to-day journey requiring attention to all of Jesus’s values and traits. Continually seek to learn and grow in your understanding of God, gain insight through His teachings, and let thoroughness be the hallmark of who you are and what you do where Christian Character Counts.
With thoroughness,