ICS Daily Devotions
A Spirit of Excellence in the Workplace
Daniel 6:3-4 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. V4. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.
Daniel distinguished himself in the palace because of his excellent spirit. Even though Daniel was faultless, it does not mean that he lived a life without sin because the Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Daniel was good at his work and he was faithful to the king. He served well and with excellence.
As Christians in the marketplace, we should be known for having a spirit of excellence. For example, we should not be known for perpetually being late for work, hardly putting in any effort into projects assigned to us, having an attitude of entitlement for a promotion without distinguishing ourselves from others in our attitude and effort, being a problem-maker rather than a problem-solver, and not being a team player. We should not worry our superiors as to whether we are dependable to do a good job before a deadline or whether they should take it back from us and give it to someone else!
Having a spirit of excellence implies the attainment of a level so high that comparison is hardly possible, nor any area of improvement required. It is a work that is studied thoroughly, well executed and of good quality. The spirit of excellence is not a gift but an attitude where one pursues to do something right the first time.
Colossians 3:22-25 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
The secular job that we hold will also be remembered and rewarded in heaven. Therefore, we should do excellent work in our workplaces. We should view it as doing it for the Lord and not for men. If we have such a spirit of excellence in us and an attitude that we are only doing it for the Lord, we as Christians will make a name for ourselves when companies say that they require only Christian staff. Now, that would be a real testimony of Christians having a spirit of excellence in their workplaces!
Sermon Series: The Daniels of Today
