**Complete Followers of Christ** *But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.* 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) In baseball, they refer to a complete well-rounded player as a five tool player. A five tool player hits the baseball for average, for power, has good speed and base running skills, fields his position well, and throws well. In the history of baseball, there have been many great players, but only a few are recognized as five tool players. Without taking into consideration some of today’s chemically enhanced players, notable five tool players from the past would include Ken Griffey Jr., Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. In this verse Paul speaks of the attributes of complete Christians. But unlike baseball players who through natural ability and talent possess most or all of the tools to be a complete ballplayer, there is no reason why any of us cannot be complete six tool Christians. Let's look at the tools in verse seven. - **Excel in faith** - Since the writer of Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God it is not hard to imagine that being proficient in faith is a requirement for being a complete follower of Christ. Biblical faith operates even when we do not see the results immediately. - **Excel in speech** - To excel in speech does not mean that everyone has to stand in front of the congregation and preach, but rather I believe that we must always be ready to give an account for the hope that we have. A complete follower of Christ should always be ready to encourage and build up others and be able to share what Jesus has done for them. - **Excel in knowledge** - To excel in knowledge does not mean to retain facts and figures. It is the same word that Paul uses in Philippians chapter 3, when he talks about counting all things as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. A complete follower of Christ seeks to grow in the knowledge of Christ. - **Excel in complete earnestness** - Other translations interpret this phrase as enthusiasm, eagerness or passion. Any of these interpretations will convey a single hearted purpose and dedication to Christ. A complete follower of Christ lives in joy even during times of trial and testing. - **Excel in your love for us** - Paul also reminds the Corinthians of their love for him. Not in spite of his correction and discipline, but because of it. Like the Corinthians, we make many mistakes, but if we recognize that those that instruct us and lead us are doing it for our benefit; even when they challenge us in areas that might not be comfortable, we must excel in our love for those that lead us. A complete follower of Christ is a lover of people, especially of those who have poured into their lives. - **Excel in the grace of giving** - And finally, he adds to the five previous tools and challenges us to excel in the grace of giving. A complete follower of Christ does not give because he is coerced, but because he has received grace from God. Listen to what Peter says in conveying a similar message of completeness. *For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.* 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV) The complete follower of Christ doesn’t rest on his laurels, but continually strives to grow in each of these categories in order to excel as they seek to win the prize into one day hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant..."