How can we apply the principle of excellence in our work today? A Close Look at 1 Kings 7:31 “ ‘The opening of each stand inside the crown at the top was one cubit deep and one and a half cubits in diameter. The opening was round, resembling a pedestal. And on the opening were carvings, and the panels were square, not round.’ ” Solomon’s craftsmen did not settle for “good enough.” Every curve, measurement, and carving mattered. That spirit of excellence still speaks to our everyday work. Why Excellence Matters to God - It reflects His own nature - Genesis 1 shows a Creator who calls His finished work “very good.” - Psalm 8:1—“How majestic is Your name in all the earth!” Majestic work points to a majestic Lord. - It honors His explicit commands - Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31—“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” - It attracts others to Him - Matthew 5:16—excellent deeds become light that “glorify your Father in heaven.” Tracing the Pattern of Excellence in Scripture - Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6) were “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and skill in all kinds of craftsmanship.” - Daniel 6:3—Daniel distinguished himself “because an excellent spirit was in him.” - Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” Living the Principle Today 1. Aim for precision - Solomon’s bronze stands were measured to the fraction of a cubit. Double-check budgets, code, lesson plans, or spreadsheets the same way. 2. Commit to ongoing growth - Proverbs 1:5—“Let the wise listen and increase in learning.” Seek training, feedback, and new tools. 3. Value beauty alongside function - The carvings were not structural but worship-fueling. Design presentations, products, or meals that feed both need and delight. 4. Guard integrity in the hidden details - The inside of each stand had accurate dimensions no one might see. Do unseen tasks with the same care as public ones. 5. Work for an Audience of One - Remember Colossians 3:24—“It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Applause fades; His “Well done” endures. Quick Heart Checks - Am I cutting corners where no one is likely to notice? - Does this task, however small, display God’s order and goodness? - Would I present this work to the King without embarrassment? Encouragement to Keep Going Excellence is not perfectionism; it is wholehearted stewardship. As those craftsmen supplied the temple’s glory, our diligent, skillful labor still furnishes a living temple today—“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Keep measuring, carving, coding, teaching, parenting, leading, or serving with that same reverent care. He sees, He delights, and He multiplies the impact. |
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