Excellence

Do you see a man who excels in his work?He will stand before kings;He will not stand before unknown men.

Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)

This proverb absolutely contradicts the unbiblical criticism that some are “so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good.” Just the opposite should be true for us as godly women. We should love excellence. When we put our hands to something, we should joyfully do all things “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23, NKJV).

So if you are an employee, find joy in working, doing a good job in even the little things. If you have to be there anyway, why not work with honor and diligence?

We can apply this principle of excelling in our work to our Christian service. If you are a Sunday school teacher, be the best! Pour your heart into it. Pray for those kids. Ask the Lord to give you his anointing to bring the lesson to life and make your classroom a place where kids’ lives are changed.

And in your home, will you ask the Lord to teach you to work with excellence? I was in real estate for many years. Often when I came into a Christian home, I could tell. There was a beauty and comfort and order. It is evident and beautiful when a woman sees the ministry of her home as important—important enough to make it a place of blessing, a home, not just a house. The size and cost of the house are never a factor. A little paint on used furniture and some flowers can make it more appealing than a palace. Proverbs 31:27 says a virtuous woman, “watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness” (NKJV). Now that’s well done!

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Without a doubt, God has a noble and good purpose for your life. He has given you stewardship of gifts and talents and opportunities (see Romans 12 and Matthew 25:14-30). Don’t squander them, neglect them, or bury them. I feel drawn to minister to wounded women. I have been learning as much as I can, praying, reading, talking to others. I want to be faithful. How about you? What has God prompted and gifted you to do? Will you give your heart to it—to be about his business with excellence?

One Year Bible Reading

Isaiah 3:1–5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29