Characteristics of Excellence. Today, Pastor Scott begins a new series on being people of excellence. That is not to be confused with people who are perfect. There was only One who was perfect. We can learn from people of excellence. We live in a time that can be described as the miracle generation.  “God, get me out of my mess!” This is often the cry of the heart. The truth is, that there is no mess so great that it is beyond His ability to move heaven and earth if necessary, to respond to the desperate plea of one of His children. God is well able! While this is true, there are some things that I am able to do for myself.  Instructions from scripture encourage me to take specific actions that will assist me in avoiding situational or relational traps. God should not always have to be bailing me out of trouble!  Are there specific actions I can take to avoid unhealthy situations and maintain my deliverance? Absolutely! Proverbs 2:11, says, “Wise choices shall protect you and understanding shall keep you.” While God is our Protector and Deliverer, making excellent decisions serve as protection devices as well. People of excellence avoid difficult people. Do not confuse different people with difficult people. Learn which relationships encourage you to excel and which relationships leave you feeling diminished. In the garden, when Adam and Eve disobeyed by eating the fruit, they hid in fear from God because they were naked. God asked them the question, “Who told you that you were naked?” Whose voice were they listening to? It was not God’s voice. You may be very loving, but it does not mean that you have to give difficult people equal access. Invite those that you love into your life but invest in those where love is mutually shared.