How can we apply the principle of excellence in our service to God? The Golden Standard of 1 Kings 6:22 “So the whole temple was overlaid with gold, until the entire temple was finished. The whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.” What Excellence Looked Like in Solomon’s Day • The gold was real, abundant, and visible—nothing cheap or symbolic. • Every surface was covered; obedience was thorough, not partial. • Cost, effort, and time were no obstacles when the goal was God’s glory. • The verse records an historical fact; it also sets a timeless benchmark for the quality we bring to anything dedicated to the Lord. Core Principles Drawn from the Text • God is worthy of our absolute best. • Excellence is expressed in tangible details, not vague intentions. • Excellence covers the whole project, not just the parts people can see. • Excellence flows from reverence, not from a desire to impress people. Echoes of Excellence Elsewhere in Scripture • Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • 1 Corinthians 10:31—“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Malachi 1:13-14—God rebukes half-hearted, blemished offerings. • Exodus 31:3-5—Bezalel is Spirit-empowered for craftsmanship. • Proverbs 22:29—Skill brings a servant before kings. • 2 Timothy 2:15—Diligence leads to approval before God. Practical Ways to Pursue Excellence Today Heart Posture • Offer every task as worship, whether public or unseen. • Ask, “Will this choice reflect God’s worth?” Preparation & Planning • Pray, plan, and gather needed resources before you start. • Create clear steps and timelines instead of rushing last minute. Skill Development • Study, practice, and seek feedback; competence glorifies God. • Read, attend workshops, or shadow someone more experienced. Stewardship of Resources • Use quality materials within your budget, avoiding careless shortcuts. • Treat ministry equipment, church property, and personal tools with respect. Consistency & Follow-Through • Finish what you begin; partial obedience isn’t excellence. • Review and refine completed work rather than settling for “good enough.” Integrity & Accountability • Invite trusted believers to inspect your work and motives. • Accept correction cheerfully, seeing it as a path to greater fruitfulness. Witness in Daily Work • Let excellence at your job point coworkers to Christ (Matthew 5:16). • Meet deadlines, exceed expectations, and speak with grace. Balance & Guardrails • Excellence is not perfectionism or pride. • Rest, Sabbath, and humility keep effort God-centered rather than self-centered. Why It Matters • God’s reputation is bound up with the conduct of His people (Ezekiel 36:23). • Excellent service adorns the gospel and silences critics (Titus 2:9-10). • Our diligent works will be tested by fire, so only the best endures (1 Corinthians 3:13-14). Looking to the Supreme Example • Hebrews 12:2—Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him,” the highest model of wholehearted, sacrificial excellence. • Because He gave His utmost for us, we gladly return our utmost to Him. |
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