Pursue Excellence // Values We LIVE By [Part 2 Of 4]

“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (TPT)

Excellence is doing the best you can with what you have for the glory of God. 

“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.” Daniel 6:3 (NKJ) 

“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.” Daniel 6:4 (NKJ)

EXCELLENCE IS NOT:

1. A perfectionist personality.
2. A performance treadmill. 
3. A product for the well-resourced.

How to excel at whatever you do:

1. Work with enthusiasm.

“Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.”  Colossians 3:23 (TPT)

“One who is slack in his work is a brother to the one who destroys.” Proverbs 18:9

2. Constantly sharpen your skills. 

“Do you see a man who is skilled in his work he will serve before kings.” Proverbs 22:29

“Do yourself a favor and learn all you can. Then remember what you learned and you will prosper.”  Proverbs 19:8 (GN)

3. Keep your word.

“Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is. But just try and find someone who really is.” Proverbs 20:6 (GN)

“Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot.” 

Proverbs 25:19 (GN)

“…applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence…” 2 Peter 1:5 (NAS)

4. Maintain a positive attitude. 

“Do all things without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless shining like lights in a dark world.” 

Philippians 2:14-15 (Phi)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

5. Do whatever it takes to get it right.

“Don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart. The person who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn’t cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25 (MSG)  

“If anybody forces you to go a mile with him, do more — go two miles with him.” Matthew 5:41 (Phillips)

Watch today’s service at www.vineyardchurch.com

All scripture from the New International Version unless otherwise noted