PRACTICAL KEYS TO SERVING GOD WITH EXCELLENCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Daniel 6:1-4
Key Verse: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3)
Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:23-24; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Proverbs 22:29; 1 Corinthians 10:31
INTRODUCTION:
Excellence is not a gift for a few; it is the standard God expects of all His children. To serve God with excellence means going beyond mediocrity and average performance, and giving God our best in attitude, character, and service. The Bible reveals that those who possessed an excellent spirit were distinguished and elevated by God in their generation.
In a world where mediocrity is often tolerated, believers are called to a higher level of service. God is excellent in all His ways, and as His children, we are to reflect His excellence in prayer, worship, giving, evangelism, and every assignment He entrusts into our hands.
This study focuses on practical keys that will help us serve God with excellence. By applying these principles, we align ourselves with God’s will and position ourselves for divine lifting and lasting impact.
1. CULTIVATING AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT
Excellence begins from within, with the kind of spirit you carry. Without an excellent spirit, external acts of service cannot truly glorify God.
a) Renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2): Excellence requires a transformed mindset that seeks God’s approval rather than man’s applause.
b) Discipline and diligence (Proverbs 12:24): Laziness is the enemy of excellence; diligence attracts honour and recognition.
c) Integrity of heart (Psalm 78:72): Excellence is not just skill but purity of heart and uprightness in action.
d) Hunger for God (Matthew 5:6): A desire for God’s presence and righteousness fuels a life of excellence.
Biblical Example: Daniel distinguished himself with an excellent spirit, which brought him promotion and divine favour in a foreign land (Daniel 6:3).
2. PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN SERVICE
Excellence thrives on precision, care, and attention to detail in everything we do for God.
a) Doing all things decently (1 Corinthians 14:40): God is a God of order; disorder dishonours His name.
b) Faithfulness in little things (Luke 16:10): Excellence begins with faithfulness in the small tasks before God entrusts bigger responsibilities.
c) Preparing adequately (2 Timothy 2:15): Proper study, prayer, and preparation show respect for God and His people.
d) Consistency in quality (Galatians 6:9): Not just once, but continually giving your best marks a person of excellence.
Biblical Example: Solomon’s building of the Temple was marked with precision and attention to detail, reflecting excellence in worship to God (1 Kings 6:7-22).
3. DEVELOPING YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS AND SKILLS
Excellence requires growth. God expects us to sharpen and develop the gifts and skills He has entrusted to us.
a) Stirring up your gifts (2 Timothy 1:6): Spiritual and natural gifts must be fanned into flames through consistent use.
b) Seeking wisdom (Proverbs 4:7): Excellence comes from applying divine wisdom in life and ministry.
c) Submitting to training (Proverbs 27:17): Mentorship and sharpening by others lead to mastery.
d) Striving for mastery (1 Corinthians 9:25): Those who excel must go beyond ordinary effort into discipline and training.
Biblical Example: Bezaleel was filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, skill, and craftsmanship to build the tabernacle excellently (Exodus 31:1-5).
4. SERVING WITH LOVE AND PASSION
Excellence is driven by love for God and passion for His kingdom. Without love, service becomes mechanical and empty.
a) Serving with all your heart (Colossians 3:23): Excellence flows from wholehearted devotion to God.
b) Motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3): Love gives meaning to every act of service.
c) Passion for souls (John 9:4): Passion for God’s work ensures that you serve sacrificially and effectively.
d) Zeal without sloth (Romans 12:11): True excellence is marked by fervency in spirit and active service.
Biblical Example: Paul served God with tireless passion, labouring in prayers, preaching, and missions with excellence, even amidst persecution (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
CONCLUSION:
Excellence in serving God is not accidental but intentional. It requires cultivating an excellent spirit, paying attention to detail, developing one’s gifts, and serving with love and passion. When we make these keys a lifestyle, we glorify God and position ourselves for divine promotion.
Believers must therefore rise above mediocrity and reflect God’s nature of excellence in all areas of life and ministry. By doing so, we attract honour to the name of the Lord and blessings upon ourselves.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, baptise me with an excellent spirit in all I do.
2. Father, deliver me from the spirit of mediocrity.
3. Lord, help me to be faithful in little things.
4. Father, give me wisdom and understanding to excel.
5. Lord, stir up my spiritual and natural gifts for Your glory.
6. Father, grant me diligence and discipline in service.
7. Lord, let my love for You fuel my passion for excellence.
8. Father, help me to pay attention to details in all my assignments.
9. Lord, make me a vessel of honour that reflects Your glory.
10. Father, let my service to You attract eternal rewards.
