SERVING 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: Ecclesiastes 9:10, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Malachi 1:6-8, Daniel 6:3, Matthew 25:20-21
INTRODUCTION
Serving God is not an optional activity for the believer; it is the very essence of our calling. God has redeemed us not only to worship Him but also to serve Him with our gifts, talents, and lives. True service must go beyond mere duty or obligation—it must reflect a heart of excellence that honours God in all things.
Excellence in serving God means giving Him our very best, not leftovers or mediocrity. The Lord who created the heavens and the earth in perfection deserves nothing less than wholehearted devotion. Scripture reminds us that our labour is ultimately not for man but for God, and He is both our Judge and our Rewarder.
In today’s study, we will learn how to cultivate excellence in service, the principles that guide it, obstacles that hinder it, and the rewards that follow. By applying these truths, our lives and service will glorify God and become a blessing to others.
1. UNDERSTANDING EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
Excellence is doing the best with what God has given us, in a way that brings Him glory. It is a reflection of His nature of perfection.
a) Excellence defined (Ecclesiastes 9:10) – To serve with excellence is to put all our strength and heart into God’s work without negligence.
b) Excellence is God’s standard (Matthew 5:48) – God calls His children to walk in His likeness, which includes doing things well.
c) Service must be God-centred (Colossians 3:23) – Every act of service must be done as unto the Lord, not to impress people.
d) Mediocrity dishonours God (Malachi 1:8) – Offering God less than our best is despising His greatness and holiness.
Biblical Example: Daniel distinguished himself with an excellent spirit in Babylon (Daniel 6:3), earning favour before God and men.
2. KEYS TO SERVING GOD WITH EXCELLENCE
Excellence requires intentional commitment, discipline, and spiritual devotion.
a) A willing heart (Isaiah 1:19) – Excellence begins with a heart that delights in doing God’s will.
b) Faithfulness in little things (Luke 16:10) – Those who are diligent in small tasks will be entrusted with greater responsibilities.
c) Discipline and diligence (Proverbs 22:29) – Excellence is sustained by hard work and continual improvement.
d) Dependence on the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) – Excellence is not by human effort alone but by God’s Spirit enabling us.
Biblical Example: Joseph served with diligence in Potiphar’s house and in prison, and God’s favour lifted him to greatness (Genesis 39:2-4, 21-23).
3. OBSTACLES TO EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
Many factors can hinder believers from serving God excellently, and they must be overcome.
a) Laziness and complacency (Proverbs 18:9) – Idleness leads to mediocrity in service.
b) Distractions and divided priorities (Matthew 6:24) – Trying to please both God and the world reduces the quality of our service.
c) Fear of men and criticism (Proverbs 29:25) – Seeking human approval hinders wholehearted devotion.
d) Sin and disobedience (Isaiah 59:2) – Sin separates us from God’s Presence and weakens our effectiveness.
Biblical Example: The servant who buried his talent in Matthew 25:24-28 failed due to fear, laziness, and lack of vision, and he was condemned.
4. REWARDS OF SERVING GOD WITH EXCELLENCE
God rewards those who serve Him faithfully with blessings both in this life and in eternity.
a) Divine promotion and recognition (1 Samuel 2:30) – Those who honour God will be honoured by Him.
b) Spiritual growth and fruitfulness (John 15:8) – Excellent service glorifies God and produces lasting fruit.
c) Fulfilment of destiny (Matthew 25:21) – Faithful servants are entrusted with greater responsibilities and joy.
d) Eternal reward (Revelation 22:12) – God promises crowns and inheritance for those who serve Him well.
Biblical Example: The faithful servants in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:20-21) received commendation and promotion for their diligence.
CONCLUSION
Excellence in service is not about perfection in human terms but about wholehearted devotion to God. It is giving Him our best, no matter the size of the task or the stage of life we are in. Every believer has a role in God’s kingdom, and the standard is always excellence.
As we commit to serving God with excellence, we reflect His glory, attract His favour, and position ourselves for promotion both on earth and in eternity. Let us rise above mediocrity, overcome distractions, and yield to the Spirit of God who empowers us to serve Him acceptably.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, give me a heart that desires to serve You with excellence.
2. Father, deliver me from every spirit of laziness and mediocrity.
3. Lord, help me to always offer my best in service to You.
4. Holy Spirit, empower me to serve faithfully in little and great things.
5. Lord, remove every distraction that hinders me from wholehearted service.
6. Father, let my life and service bring glory to Your name.
7. Lord, grant me the discipline and diligence required for excellence.
8. Father, help me to overcome the fear of men and focus on pleasing You.
9. Lord, let my service attract Your favour and promotion.
10. Father, count me worthy to receive eternal rewards at the end of my journey.
