How can we apply the principle of excellence from 1 Kings 5:17 today? Setting the Scene “Then the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the house with cut stones.” (1 Kings 5:17) Solomon could have settled for common rock, yet he ordered “large, costly stones.” Excellence marked even the hidden foundation of God’s house. What Excellence Looked Like Then • Cost was no object when the task served God. • Only the best materials and skilled laborers were chosen. • Every stone was precisely “cut,” showing deliberate craftsmanship. • The excellence started beneath ground level—out of public view—but it still mattered. Why Excellence Matters to God • God’s own nature is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). • He calls His people to reflect His glory: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Excellence testifies to a watching world that the Lord is worthy of our very best (Matthew 5:16). How Excellence Applies to Us Today 1. Work and Vocation • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) • Deliver quality, honor deadlines, and cultivate integrity, even when supervisors aren’t watching—those hidden “foundation stones” count. 2. Worship and Ministry • Invest time rehearsing music, preparing lessons, cleaning facilities, and greeting guests. • Aim for quality that draws attention to Christ, not to performers. 3. Relationships • Speak truthfully, keep promises, and listen actively. • “Let love be genuine.” (Romans 12:9) 4. Personal Growth • Study Scripture diligently (2 Timothy 2:15). • Develop God-given talents; excellence rejects stagnation. 5. Stewardship • Budget wisely, give generously, and maintain possessions responsibly. • “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) 6. Public Testimony • Neighbors, coworkers, and family form opinions about Christ by observing His followers. • “Do everything without complaining or arguing… that you may shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15) Practical Steps toward Excellence • Set clear, God-honoring goals. • Plan before acting; Solomon arranged materials and labor long before construction began. • Seek wisdom from Scripture and godly mentors (Proverbs 15:22). • Evaluate regularly; refinements require honest assessment. • Finish tasks: “Better is the end of a matter than its beginning.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8) • Rely on the Spirit’s power; excellence is fruit, not self-glorification (Galatians 5:22-23). Encouragement and Challenge Excellence is not perfectionism; it is wholehearted devotion that treats every assignment—seen or unseen—as service to the King. Lay each “stone” of today’s responsibilities with the same care Solomon’s workers used, trusting that God notices and delights in work done for His glory. |
    |