MAKE EXCELLENCE YOUR STANDARD

Dearly beloved, I bring you greetings in the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God and our soon coming King. This morning, even as we share on the broad topic of Governance throughout this month of July, I want to share with you on how I believe we as believers can contribute to the development of society, as God’s ambassadors here on earth. It starts from everyone of us, regardless of your status, making excellence your standard. Let’s examine this scripture;

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest”.

The scripture above admonishes you to do whatever your hands find to do with all your might. I particularly like how the Message translation puts it; “Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!…..” . In other words, do that thing as if your life depends on it, like it’s your last chance to do it. Don’t pull punches, don’t be lackadaisical about it; give it your best shot! To understand why it is important for you to be this way, look at the concluding part of that scripture; “…..for there’s no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest”. Did you see that? Any opportunity you miss out on, will be gone when you’re dead, so there’s no use saving your efforts.

Child of God, your God is an excellent God, and He does everything He does excellently, such that none can add to it or subtract from it. God gave us His best in Jesus, therefore as one made in His image and likeness, you have no excuse whatsoever, not to give your best at all times, irrespective of where you are, or the circumstances around you. A new creation believer, should not be seen to do things carelessly. As a matter of fact, it is an insult to the finished work of Christ, for any believer to be associated with mediocrity.

Whether you are in the marketplace or in church, it is expected of you to make excellence your standard! As a hairdresser or barber, let every customer that comes in contact with you, leave feeling great about themselves because of the excellent service that you rendered. As a fashion designer, carpenter, construction engineer, tiler, painter, banker, mechanic, make it a point of duty to be the best. This does not only apply to the corporate world, but even in the church, where God is the audience. As a greeter, usher, media person, chorister, cleaner, you cannot afford not to be at your best at every given opportunity; irrespective of the service day or meeting or whether anyone is watching. Your service is not unto man but unto God, and God does not owe. Don’t join the bandwagon of those that say, “It does not matter”, or “qui sera sera”, and then turn around to expect increase in your business; God does not bless mediocrity!

The subject of excellence cannot be overemphasized; as a nation and people, we are where we are today because for too long, we have publicly celebrated mediocrity, thus allowing corruption to thrive. The people who are given the responsibility of providing the basic amenities for her citizens, embezzle the funds with little or nothing to show for it.

Prov. 22:29 (NKJV) says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men”. Can you beat that? There’s the assurance of a great reward for excellence; a reward for diligence, a reward for deciding to live and function above mediocrity. Anything other than excellence is unacceptable.

Beloved, do not take excellence for granted. The scripture says in Prov. 24:26 (KJV), “Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer”; in other words, you will be sought after, when you are a solution provider. You might be “good” at what you do, or the services you render, but excellence places you at a superior level, such that people will come from far and near in search of you. I believe God for you that as you commit to excellence in this year of Commanded Blessings, that the Lord will cause you to experience growth and expansion in your business, career and in all your endeavours. The land you thread upon will answer to you; I declare that the earth will yield her increase for you, in Jesus’ name. Doors will continually be opened unto you; you will never be stranded. I will hear your testimony!

I bless you in Jesus’ name.

Maranatha!

 

In His Royal Service,

Dr. Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop