Excellence
Pastor Dennis Maddox
“Let everyone be devoted to fulfill the work God has given them to do with excellence, and their joy will be in doing what’s right and being themselves, and not in being affirmed by others.” — Galatians 6:4 TPT
For my entire life I have heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” and just to let you know — it’s a lie. There’s only one that’s perfect and that’s Jesus. Perfection may not be obtainable but we can develop spiritual excellence in our lives.
“Excellence means greatness — the very best. Achieving excellence is never easy to do. Excellence is a quality that people really appreciate because it's so hard to find. Excellence is the quality of excelling, of being truly the best at something. Getting an A+ shows excellence.” (vocabulary.com)
When excellence is on display we all see it and know it immediately. The outstanding is recognized in every area of life. Whether it’s through craftsmanship, a musical performance, a work of art, or a gifted speaker. It could be a form of technology, science, literature or even a mathematical equation. Or perhaps it’s the gifted athlete who breaks every record in their sport. We all crave and acknowledge excellence.
As a musician I can appreciate the hard work that goes into becoming masterful on an instrument. To become proficient on a musical instrument it usually requires around 10,000 hours of practice. You have to be disciplined to get to this point and even then you’re just getting started. Proficiency can lead to musical excellence if the student receives the right instruction and is diligent to pursue it.
Likewise, as Christians we should discipline ourselves to practice being in His presence everyday. As disciples we recognize that our excellence is found in Jesus, what He has done, and what He is continuing to do in our lives (If we let Him). We have to pursue Him everyday to become a disciple (John 8:31). We should also receive instruction from our pastors as they preach the Word and speak into our lives on a regular basis. (Heb 10:25).
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” — 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life:
His Word
His Spirit
Prayer and Fasting
Worship
His Church
All of these elements are needed for us to walk in the divine nature mentioned in 2 Peter 1:4.
It’s easy to become a believer but it takes a daily commitment to become a disciple. Jesus said to abide or live in His word (John 8:31). As you begin a journey of excellence abiding in His Word, you will find and know the great and precious promises that are available. As a result, your faith will be built up to act on His word and see these promises come to pass in your life.
I can’t tell you what God’s specific will is for your life but I know that He can. I do know that you are an original, formed and fashioned by God, and He has a specific plan for your life - a life of excellence.
I pray that during this fast that more of His will shall be revealed to you, that you clearly hear His direction on how to fulfill it, and that you experience his divine nature.
Excellence comes by laying down your life day after day, month after month, and year after year so that you can hear His voice and He can live through you.
Have an excellent day!
— Pastor Dennis