In what ways can we apply the principle of excellence in our service to God? Crafted with Divine Precision Exodus 39:15: “For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords, of pure gold.” Every link was intentional. Nothing slapdash or hurried. The chains were pure gold, not alloyed, not second-best. The record shows that God’s people, filled with His Spirit (Exodus 31:3-5), offered Him workmanship that matched His holiness. Excellence Springs from God’s Nature • God’s character is blameless (Deuteronomy 32:4); therefore His servants reflect that character in their work. • Detailed commands for the tabernacle (Exodus 25–40) prove He values precision. • Excellence is worship: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Quality glorifies Him: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Seven Ways to Live It Out 1. Prepare Spiritually • Begin each assignment with confession, Scripture, and dependence on the Spirit (2 Timothy 2:21). 2. Aim for Quality, Not Flash • Strive for faithfulness and durability, echoing the pure-gold standard of Exodus 39:15. 3. Sweat the Details • Proofread the bulletin, tune the guitar, rehearse the lesson—little things echo eternal glory (Luke 16:10). 4. Use Your Best Resources • Offer firstfruits of time, talent, and treasure (Proverbs 3:9). No leftovers for the King. 5. Cultivate Skill • Study, practice, seek feedback (Proverbs 22:29). Skill is not pride; it is stewardship. 6. Serve as a Team • Bezalel and Oholiab worked together (Exodus 36:1-2). Excellence thrives in shared gifting. 7. Finish Well • Moses inspected the work and “blessed them” only when it matched God’s pattern (Exodus 39:43). Completion matters. Scriptures that Fan the Flame • 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed.” • Philippians 1:10 — “so that you may approve the things that are excellent.” • 1 Peter 2:9 — “declare the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness.” Keep these verses visible where you plan, build, write, or lead. Guardrails Against Mediocrity • Reject the “good enough” mindset; it dulls devotion. • Refuse shortcuts that compromise integrity. • Compare your work to God’s standard, not to others’. • Remember the audience: the Lord of glory, not the applause of people. Final Encouragement The same God who inspired pure-gold chains empowers you today. Lean on His Spirit, honor His Word, and let excellence become your everyday offering. |
    |