Excellence as a Testimony: How to Bring Your Best to God in the Marketplace

In a world often quick to label Christian endeavors with a perceived lack of quality, Mildred Talabi, a seasoned communications expert and entrepreneur, offers a powerful counter-narrative. For Mildred, excellence isn't just a professional standard; it's a profound act of worship and a testimony to the God she serves. Her journey, spanning decades in corporate communications and building a thriving personal brand coaching business, is a testament to the transformative power of integrating faith with unwavering dedication to quality.

Mildred's philosophy is simple yet profound: "I don't work for my boss, whoever the boss is. I work for the big boss." This conviction fuels her commitment to excellence in every task, project, and interaction. It's a call to move beyond sloppy work, to present our best because we represent the Creator of the universe.

The Problem with "Good Enough" Christian Work

Many Christians, with good intentions, might approach their work with a mindset that God will simply bless their efforts, regardless of the quality. This often leads to a reliance on "blind hope" rather than diligent preparation and skill development. The result? Christian-labeled products or services that fall short of professional standards, inadvertently diminishing the very message they aim to convey.

Mildred challenges this notion, drawing a parallel to ancient scriptures where God rejected lame and broken sacrifices, demanding the best from His people. "I can't bring God my sloppies. I need to give him the best because he is the best," she asserts.

Cultivating a Culture of Excellence

So, what does this commitment to excellence look like in practice? Mildred outlines several key principles:

• Continuous Personal Development: Excellence isn't static; it's a journey of continuous growth. Mildred emphasizes the importance of reading, studying, attending conferences, and listening to podcasts – not just Christian content, but anything that inspires and develops her capacity. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures she brings her best self to every opportunity.

• Integrity in Action: Beyond skill, excellence is deeply rooted in integrity. It's about being truthful, even when it's uncomfortable, and prioritizing the greater good. Mildred, who works with C-suite leaders, highlights the importance of speaking truth with respect, knowing that her security isn't tied to human approval but to her divine calling.

• Mindset of Impact: Recognizing oneself as the "light of the world" and "salt of the earth" transforms how one operates. This mindset dictates behavior, speech, and decisions, ensuring that every environment is made better by one's presence.

• Faith with Works: While prayer is foundational, it must be coupled with action. Mildred stresses that "faith without works is dead." Praying for a project's success must be accompanied by diligent effort, upskilling, and strategic planning to ensure its successful execution.

God as CEO: Involving the Divine in Daily Work

For Mildred, integrating faith into work isn't just about personal conduct; it's about active partnership with God. She views God as the CEO of her business and her life, involving Him in every decision, big or small. This includes:

• Seeking Divine Direction: Mildred's pivot from a CV makeover business to LinkedIn coaching was a direct result of feeling God's leading. Her consistent presence on LinkedIn, even before the pandemic, positioned her to serve a burgeoning audience when the world shifted online.

• Prayer for Colleagues and Clients: She actively prays for her bosses, colleagues, and clients, believing that God's wisdom and guidance are essential for effective leadership and service.

• Prioritizing Time with God: A non-negotiable for Mildred is her morning time with God. She deliberately structures her schedule to ensure this sacred space, understanding that spiritual nourishment is the wellspring of her capacity and wisdom in the marketplace.

The Widow's Oil: A Testament to God's Faithfulness

Mildred's personal scripture, 2 Kings 4:1-7 (the story of the widow's oil), serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to multiply what we offer Him. Her writing gift, once seen as a "small jar of oil," has, through obedience and dedication, opened countless doors and avenues, proving that when we pour out what we have, God ensures it never runs dry.

A Call to Christian Leaders

To those new to marketplace ministry or seeking to deepen their impact, Mildred offers a clear directive: "Before you even show up in the workplace, show up on your living room floor or your bedroom floor or wherever it is that you pray and you meet with God." This foundational relationship with God is the source of power, wisdom, and clarity needed to influence the workplace effectively. It's about putting God first, trusting that when He is prioritized, everything else will fall into place.

Excellence, for Mildred Talabi, is not merely a pursuit of perfection; it's a living, breathing testimony to the character of God. It's an invitation to every Christian leader to bring their absolute best, knowing that in doing so, they honor the ultimate CEO and transform the marketplace one excellent act at a time.

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of your work might you be settling for "good enough" instead of striving for excellence as an act of worship?

• How can you intentionally integrate personal development and skill-building into your routine to enhance your capacity for excellence?

• What practical steps can you take to prioritize your time with God, ensuring it fuels your work in the marketplace?

• How can you demonstrate integrity and a "light of the world" mindset in your daily interactions at work?

• Consider the "widow's oil" principle in your own life. What seemingly small gift or talent has God given you that, when poured out, could lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities?