Written by Emily Kline
I Corinthians 14:12 exclaims, “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
We often find in scripture the call for every Christian to abound or excel in their life. God desires for His people to prosper by how they regard their inward character and in how they exhibit upright behavior and fruitful deeds. It is impossible for a Christian to love God with all his heart without seeking to do his or her best to the glory of God. Seeking to excel is a mark of spiritual maturity. For this to be true in someone’s life, excellence must be motivated by the right values and principles. If we go astray in our motives, the result of man’s interest in his own significance becomes a perilous pursuit.
James 2:14-26 says that you cannot have faith without works. Many times, we focus on excellent works, and neglect having an excellent spirit. Good works without a genuine spirit are dead and empty. It is essential to develop qualities in your life to show an excellent spirit backed by a genuine interest. Some of the principles of an excellent and genuine spirit are integrity, discipline, faith, obedience, reliance on God, humility, patience and perseverance.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 asserts, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” The Holy Spirit may call members to different works at some point in their spiritual career. Excelling at what we have been called to do does not mean we enter into a competition or a rivalry with others. Conversely, excelling with all our might in the works of God brings a blessing to all. In the spirit of love and meekness, just as Christ, our example, exhibited.
God has also set an example for His people to follow through a Spirit-filled pastor. A God-called pastor will set a tone of excellence within a local congregation. The Church of God at Connoquenessing is privileged to have a pastor who has faithfully set a clear example of excellence. His example has fostered many spiritual works that include an expansive outreach ministry and other productive works.
Excelling is not a matter of simply choosing between what is good or bad, but choosing what is superior because it will better enable us to accomplish what God has designed us to do. Progress will come to a halt without the pursuit of excellence. Without excellence, life will become stagnant with little spiritual progress or edification to others. Excellence is that fuel which keeps the fire of God burning bright within us, leading others to Christ. Striving to excel, both in spirit and deed, will build up God’s church and will bring Him glory.
