As a minister, it is essential to understand that God demands excellence in both life and ministry. This is not a call to perfection, but rather a call to strive for excellence in all that we do, in obedience to God’s commands. The Bible is clear on this matter, as we see in several passages.
First and foremost, we must recognize that God is a God of excellence. In Exodus 15:11, we read, Who is like you, LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (ESV). This passage highlights God’s unique character and sets Him apart from all other gods. He is a God of holiness, power, and majesty, and His deeds are worthy of our utmost respect and admiration.
As those who serve this God of excellence, we are called to reflect His character in our own lives. In Colossians 3:23-24, we read, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (ESV). This passage reminds us that our work is not merely for the benefit of others, but for the Lord Himself. Therefore, we must strive for excellence in all that we do, whether in ministry or in our daily lives.
Furthermore, God has given us specific instructions on how to live our lives with excellence. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we read, So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (ESV). This passage emphasizes the importance of doing everything for God’s glory, not our own. When we live our lives with this mindset, we are motivated to pursue excellence in all that we do, knowing that our actions reflect on the God we serve.
In ministry, this call to excellence is even more crucial. As ministers, we are entrusted with the sacred task of proclaiming the gospel and shepherding God’s people. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we read, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (ESV). This passage highlights the importance of being diligent in our study of Scripture and careful in our teaching. We must strive for excellence in our ministry, knowing that the souls of those we serve are at stake.
Moreover, God has given us specific examples of individuals who pursued excellence in their ministry. One such example is the prophet Daniel. In Daniel 6:3, we read, Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (ESV). Daniel’s pursuit of excellence in his work and his faith set him apart from his peers and earned him the respect of the king.
Another example is the apostle Paul. In Philippians 3:12-14, we read, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV). Paul’s pursuit of excellence in his ministry was driven by his love for Christ and his desire to see others come to know Him.
God demands excellence in life and ministry, and as ministers, we must strive to reflect His character in all that we do. We must remember that our work is for the Lord, not for men, and that we are called to do all to the glory of God. Whether in our study of Scripture, our teaching, or our daily lives, we must pursue excellence, knowing that our actions reflect on the God we serve. May we be like Daniel and Paul, distinguished by our pursuit of excellence and our love for Christ.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
