THE PERFECTION OF EXCELLENCE

“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an EXCELLENT SPIRIT was in him” – Daniel 6:3a

One of the most significant dimensions of Divine Perfection is the PERFECTION of EXCELLENCE: “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an EXCELLENT SPIRIT was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm” (Dan.6:3). Daniel walked in Distinction in Babylon by virtue of the Spirit of Excellence in him. Perfection is possible, especially when viewed in the light of Excellence. Perfection infers the Pursuit and Experience of Excellence, produced through encounters with the Spirit of Excellence, the like of which was upon Daniel.

Excellence refers to the state or quality of excelling: to go above and beyond; to be exceptional or distinguished – “Daniel distinguished himself”! Biblically, Excellence is walking in Righteousness! Excellence is not a futile pursuit of perfectionism; carnal competition or a fleshly quest for superiority. Rather, it is an outward manifestation of an inner nature. When “an excellent spirit” is at work, Excellence will be displayed either in a specific aspect of life or all-round. Moreover, excellence is a relative concept which can be measured at different levels and contexts of life. The central idea is that of growth, progress, and distinction. God wants us His children to be awakened to who we really are: perfect and excellent persons in Christ!

By the testimonies of Scriptures, our Father-God Himself is the Epitome of Excellence:

God is Excellent in Power and Justice: “As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; HE IS EXCELLENT in power, in judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress” (Job 37:23). God will never misapply power or misplace judgement!

God is Excellent by Name and in Glory: “O Lord, our Lord, how EXCELLENT is Your name in all the earth…!” (Psa.8:1a).

God is Excellent in Greatness: “…Praise Him according to His EXCELLENT GREATNESS!” (Psa.150:2b).

God is Excellent in Wisdom: “This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and EXCELLENT in guidance” (Isa.28:29).

God does Excellent Things: “Sing to the Lord, for He has done EXCELLENT THINGS; this is known in all the earth” (Isa.12:5).

In alignment with the biblical goal of spiritual growth and maturity, we are consistently called to abound or excel in Christian character (2 Cor.8:7; Phil.1:9-10; 1The.3:12; 4:1). Without the quest for character and pursuit of excellence, life will be bland or lukewarm at best (Rev.3: 15-16). This quest fuels the fire of faith and keeps us from drifting downstream to gather debris. God wants us to abound or excel in both what we are (inward character) and what we do (behaviour or good deeds); to seek to do our best to His Glory (1Cor.10:31). “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might…” (Eccl.9:10a).

The Pursuit of Excellence is therefore both a goal and a mark of spiritual maturity. It must however be motivated by the right values, priorities, and motives, or else it may end up as a perilous pursuit to satisfy ambition or an inflated ego! To pursue excellence is not to strive or struggle for it. The reality is that God made us perfect beings after Him – in His Image and likeness. Though Sin interrupted along the way, redemption has brought restoration. Once we awaken to this reality, we can walk in the light of it. We were designed for distinction. Excellence is in the New Creation. We don’t strive for it; we exude it.

Excellence is in the fabric of my existence; the core of my nature. I don’t have to struggle to be who I already am. I have an excellent spirit and mind by virtue of redemption, and I can manifest excellence in all I do. The indwelling Holy Spirit causes me to walk in righteousness and express His glory and divine virtues. I walk in the wisdom of God, with an excellent mind. I am a perfect and excellent child of a perfect God. I simply allow my Father’s nature in me produce the work of righteousness – Excellence! He has promised: “I will make you an ETERNAL EXCELLENCE, a Joy of many generations” (Isa.60:15b).