A MORE EXCELLENT WAY

But earnestly desire the best gifts, and yet I show you a more excellent way (I. Cor. 12:31).

Giftedness is a great thing. I am always enthralled by the seemingly effortless excellence of those truly gifted ones among us. But more important than giftedness, whether spiritual or natural, is embracing an attitude of heart and mind which settles for nothing less than rendering our best to the Lord.

As believers, we can ill afford to compartmentalize our lives in such a way that we only focus on giving our best when we are serving or worshipping the Lord. The fact is that every area of lives matter to Him, and failing to pursue the principle of excellence is a failure to render our best to the Lord. Paul reminds us "and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."

Remember that to accept a mediocre or average frame of mind is to define yourself as the best of the worst and the worst of the best.

Daniel excelled and was more favored than his associates because "an excellent spirit was in him." When we earnestly desire the best, and consistently commit ourselves to giving our best to the Lord, we will like Daniel find God's favor resting upon us in whatever situation we find ourselves.