Text: 1 Corinthians 12:31; Proverbs 22:29
One of the greatest requirements for spiritual growth is appetite. If you are hungry and thirsty, the Bible says you shall be filled. However, your capacity to eat much is the function of your appetite. Hunger may bring you to the table, but appetite determines how much you receive. Therefore, appetite is what we need to sustain our hunger.
As believers, we should never come to a place of satisfaction with our pursuit of God. The only time covetousness is permitted in the Kingdom is when we desire more of God. In fact, the Bible commands us to covet spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). Our desire for God should continually increase.
What Is Diligence?
Diligence is being:
– Steady
– Dedicated
– Persevering
– Hardworking
– Focused
– Industrious
– Conscious of your goals and destination
The diligent person understands where they are going and refuses to be distracted.
The Purpose of Excellence
The purpose of this message is to secure a glorious Church—a Church that is spotless and blameless, standing upon the mountain top for the nations to see and be attracted to Christ.
This begins with you.
The world may display excellence, but it does not carry God’s nature. We were created in the image of an excellent God; therefore, excellence should naturally flow from us.
In 2 Peter 1:3–6, the Scripture declares that God’s divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. Everything we need has already been made available in Christ. We are called to add diligence to our faith and continue growing in the virtues listed by the Apostle Peter. Verse 8 declares that if these qualities abound in us, we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Excellent Spirit
Daniel 6:1–3 tells us that among one hundred and twenty governors, there were three presidents, yet Daniel distinguished himself above them all because an excellent spirit was in him.
The Holy Spirit is that excellent Spirit. Daniel cooperated with the Holy Spirit, and therefore he was distinguished.
Excellence is far from those who are not hardworking, who justify mediocrity, who are not committed or dedicated, and who are habitually late.
Excellence begins in secret. The things you do when nobody is watching reveal who you truly are. Packaging cannot cover your real identity. Allow the Holy Spirit to arrange your life.
Distinction Is the Language of the Kingdom
Most spiritual things are caught, not always taught. Revelation from God is spiritually discerned.
Make a commitment to distinguish yourself from others. Stop trying to be everybody. Your uniqueness is what causes people to see the God you carry.
You cannot be an average believer and change your world. A leader must always be ahead. We cannot be lazy and expect to take over our world for God. Poor quality can never produce lasting Kingdom influence.
Faithfulness Before Promotion
God cannot trust you until He finds you faithful.
How often do you give up in the face of challenges? God is watching. Jesus said that no one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.
Consider Daniel. Even after learning that the king had signed the decree against prayer, he still prayed as before. His devotion did not change because circumstances changed.
When Daniel’s enemies conspired against him (Daniel 6:4), they could find no fault in him except concerning his faithfulness to God.
There is a powerful difference between faith and faithfulness:
– Faith is you trusting God.
– Faithfulness is God trusting you.
Every assignment requires a committed worker. Daniel was so faithful that the only accusation his enemies could make was concerning his unwavering commitment to God. Those who opposed him lacked the excellent spirit that distinguished him.
Often, the people who fight you are fighting what they do not possess.
Activating Kingdom Favour
There are ways to activate favour in God’s Kingdom.
If you desire to become a person of quality, pursue quality in everything you do. Deep calls unto deep. Daily ask God to make you a person of excellence.
For men to glorify God through your life, your light must shine through an excellent attitude and an excellent lifestyle. Excellence attracts excellent people.
As Isaiah 60:1–3 declares:
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”
Be the Very Best
Whatever you do, make it a commitment to become the very best at it. This is part of your spiritual commitment to God.
When you walk in excellence and faithfulness, heaven takes notice, just as it did in the life of Cornelius.
Romans 12:4–8 reminds us that although we are many members, we are one body, and each member has been given a unique grace to serve.
Excellence is seen through consistency. It is not a single act but a lifestyle. It is the continual cooperation with the Holy Spirit that produces a life worthy of God’s Kingdom and draws the nations to Christ.
Pastor Joshua Edohoema