EXCELLENCE

That you may approve the things that are EXCELLENT, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ – Philippians 1:10

Praise the LORD who has taken us triumphantly through our June of VIRTUES. We cap it up today with EXCELLENCE. Excellence is the Character of God. His Name is excellent (Psa.8:1,9; 148:13). So is His lovingkindness (Psa.36:7), Power (Job 37:23), and Greatness (Psa.150:2). Creation bows before “the Voice of His Excellency” (Job 37:4b). He bestows an Excellent Spirit (Dan.6:3). 2 Peter 1 affirms that His Divine Power “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and VIRTUE” (2Pet. 1:3). God has called us to pursue Excellence and other living Virtues that should supplement our faith: “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue…” (2Pet.1:5-7).

Having examined the array of virtues, we are better challenged and encouraged to do all it takes to glorify our Lord in all dimensions of life and destiny. Because God is excellent, He has called us to excellence as well. We ought to strive to be excellent in everything we ARE and DO. Strangely, this is not necessarily the case among many believers. Obvious examples are Christian books and church/ministry bulletins that are filled with typos and grammatical blunders. The neglect of excellence in many Christian circles may be due to the idea of “cheap grace” which some have imbibed; the notion that because we are saved by grace, anything goes! We can be casual and complacent in faith, relax and not get too diligent about anything. Some Christians somehow think the pursuit of excellence is incompatible with salvation by grace. How false! A deep-felt conviction of God’s grace ought to spur us on to grateful service and a pursuit of personal excellence.

As a Christian saved by grace, you ought to “be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure” (2Pet.1:10b). You must quit cosmetic Christianity: simply trudging along just to scrape by and to make it through the day’s routines, whether or not your work is characterized by excellence. Do not fall for the lie of the devil: that excellence is an elusive goal way beyond your reach. You don’t have to manufacture excellence from your own resources. God has given you what you need to pursue excellence and godliness: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2Pet.1:3). With regard to spiritual disciplines, Scripture promotes God-reliance, not self-reliance! “In Christ” you have all that you need to live in a way that is pleasing to Him and glorifies Him. Your main assignment is to grow in your relationship with Christ every day as you go through the challenges which God allows to enter your life to purify and mature your faith.

In our series of meditations, we identified and celebrated virtues that are worthy of pursuit: character, purposefulness, divine acquaintance, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, honesty, consistency, integrity, example, meekness, nobility, purity, dignity, maturity, contentment, diligence, sincerity, hospitality, liberality, loyalty, courtesy, friendliness, sanctity, and modesty. Aided by grace, you should aspire to be a diligent, courageous, temperate, and passionate Christian – who walks the Word and manifests Love – the most excellent virtue – in all spheres of life (1Cor.12:31; 13:13). Be diligent to confirm your calling and election by practising these virtues, and you will never fall; you will gloriously and triumphantly enter into God’s eternal kingdom (2Pet.1:11).

God demands from you the very best you have to offer. He loathes mediocrity, poor preparation, and sloppy presentation. Striving for excellence in life is not only your duty, but a vital form of your Christian witness. Never equate mediocrity with the things of God. Never allow the good to become the enemy of the best. Pursue excellence in everything (Eccl.9:10; Col.3:17). Begin to elevate excellence over and above mediocrity: “approve the things that are excellent” (Phil.1:10a). Think Excellence (Phil.4:8). Excellence is more of a process than an achievement; one which demands continual progress, evaluation, and improvement (Phil. 3:13-14). Never give up on your commitment and dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence.