“So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value…. recognizing the highest and the best….” – Philippians 1:10 (AMP)
Read : Daniel 6:1-28; Philippians 3:1-21
Excellence is primarily an attitude of the heart but it manifests itself in various ways. And as we discuss the different definitions of excellence in our devotion today, I challenge you to reach out for those manifestations in your own life. Understand that as these manifestations occur in your life and translate to a lifestyle, the spirit of excellence will permeate your spirit, soul (mind, intellect, imagination, emotions, and will), and body and before long will begin to produce superior fruit in your life. Sure, it will demand certain changes from you. But those changes will translate you to your higher place in God. Several years ago, Brother Kenneth Hagin (of blessed memory) said God told him if he would spend an hour or 2 a day with Him, all will be well with him and his family. He stepped up to God’s invitation and committed to it. He woke up daily and fellowshipped with God. He stayed in the word and prayer. He evaluated and changed his ways of doing things and pursued excellence in all areas of life. Well, it didn’t take very long before God’s promises started to manifest in his life and family. Do you want that kind of blessing in your own life? Then do what He did. Remember God is no respecter of persons. What He does for one, He’ll do for others in reward of their obedience.
First, excellence operates in earth by the same principles that God operates by in Heaven. If you will operate by Heaven’s principles, you will enjoy days of Heaven upon the earth. God is love and forgiving. Begin working at that. Forgive that “enemy” you have been “praying” for. Release yourself from that bitterness. Unforgiveness can predispose to dangerous sicknesses like ulcer and cancer. Just love and forgive so you can live long. It will be well with you and your family, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.