Exceeding Others' Expectations

Even though David felt unworthy to receive one of the king’s daughters as a gift (see “Staying Humble When We’re Successful” post), he was willing to pay the price of 100 Philistines. In fact, David and his men exceeded the king’s expectations by slaying 200 of Israel’s enemies (1 Sam. 18:27).

I tell my students at ACTS Seminaries at Trinity Western University to go beyond the stated expectations of an assignment (not in terms of length). I encourage them to surprise me with a novel combination and/or expression of ideas. I love it when students take up the challenge and submit something truly extraordinary.

Obviously, we need to live balanced lives, but David’s example in this situation calls us to work hard and to sometimes exceed others' expectations.