Practical Steps To Serve God With Excellence Series

PRACTICAL STEPS TO SERVE GOD WITH EXCELLENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Colossians 3:23-24

Key Verse: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ecclesiastes 9:10; 2 Timothy 2:15

INTRODUCTION:

Serving God with excellence is not automatic; it requires intentional effort, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. God is a God of excellence, and those who serve Him must reflect His nature by offering the very best in all areas of service. Excellence is not about perfection but about a heart that seeks to honour God through diligence, faithfulness, and obedience.

Every believer is called into service, whether in prayer, worship, giving, evangelism, or ministry. However, the quality of service differs, and God is pleased when His children serve Him with all their heart, strength, and ability. Serving God with mediocrity leads to fruitlessness, but excellence in service glorifies God and brings eternal rewards.

This study will outline practical steps that believers can take to serve God with excellence. These steps will guide us in ensuring that our labour in God’s kingdom is acceptable, fruitful, and impactful.

1. CULTIVATE A HEART OF SINCERITY AND OBEDIENCE

Serving God excellently begins with the right heart attitude that is pure, sincere, and obedient to His commands.

a) Serve with a Perfect Heart – 1 Chronicles 28:9

God searches the heart and rewards those who serve Him with sincerity and loyalty.

b) Obedience is Better than Sacrifice – 1 Samuel 15:22

Excellence flows from complete obedience to God’s Word, not half-hearted offerings.

c) Wholehearted Service – Colossians 3:23

Doing everything as unto the Lord ensures excellence and acceptance.

d) Avoid Eye-Service – Ephesians 6:6-7

Excellence means serving God to please Him, not to impress men.

Biblical Example: Abraham’s obedience in offering Isaac showed sincerity of heart, and God rewarded him with a generational blessing (Genesis 22:15-18).

2. DEVELOP CONSISTENCY IN PRAYER AND STUDY OF THE WORD

Excellence in service cannot be sustained without a life rooted in prayer and God’s Word.

a) Prayer Brings Strength – Luke 18:1

A consistent prayer life empowers believers to serve with excellence without fainting.

b) Word Study Builds Accuracy – 2 Timothy 2:15

Excellence requires diligence in studying the Word to rightly divide the truth.

c) Meditation Produces Excellence – Joshua 1:8

Meditating on the Word daily brings success and excellence in all endeavours.

d) Dependence on God’s Wisdom – James 1:5

Excellence in service comes when we seek divine wisdom through prayer.

Biblical Example: Daniel prayed daily and studied God’s Word, which helped him serve with an excellent spirit in Babylon (Daniel 6:10).

3. BE DILIGENT, DISCIPLINED, AND COMMITTED

Excellence in serving God requires diligence, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

a) Diligence Leads to Distinction – Proverbs 22:29

Hard work and discipline in service bring recognition before kings.

b) Commitment Brings Fruitfulness – John 15:5

Excellence is impossible without abiding and remaining committed in Christ.

c) Discipline Produces Excellence – 1 Corinthians 9:27

Discipline of the flesh and spirit ensures effective service.

d) Don’t Be Slothful in Service – Romans 12:11

Excellence rejects laziness and embraces fervency in serving the Lord.

Biblical Example: Paul’s diligence and tireless labour in the gospel demonstrated excellence in service (1 Corinthians 15:10).

4. SERVE WITH LOVE, HUMILITY, AND A KINGDOM MINDSET

Excellence in service is not about competition or self-glory but about love, humility, and kingdom impact.

a) Serve in Love – Galatians 5:13

Excellence is revealed when service is motivated by love for God and people.

b) Walk in Humility – Philippians 2:3

True excellence comes when we serve selflessly and put others above ourselves.

c) Seek God’s Glory, Not Recognition – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Excellence directs glory to God and not to personal achievements.

d) Have a Kingdom Focus – Matthew 6:33

Excellence seeks first the advancement of God’s kingdom above all else.

Biblical Example: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, showing humility and love as the pathway to excellent service (John 13:12-15).

CONCLUSION:

Serving God with excellence is a conscious choice and requires deliberate steps. It begins with a sincere heart, is sustained by prayer and the Word, and is expressed through diligence, discipline, love, and humility. Excellence in service ensures that our labour is fruitful, impactful, and pleasing to God.

As believers, we must reject mediocrity and embrace excellence in every area of service. Whether in prayer, worship, giving, evangelism, or ministry, let us do everything as unto the Lord, with a heart that seeks His glory. By doing so, our service will stand the test of time and will be richly rewarded both on earth and in eternity.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me a heart of sincerity and obedience in serving You.