#3 - Excellence a way of life

Introduction

Today, we want to understand the biblical call to excellence in our work.

Excellence is not merely about achieving perfection or doing something for which you receive praise and approval, but about reflecting God's glory through the quality, integrity, and purpose of our labor.

We will explore how we are created and called to work with excellence, how excellent work leads to God's favor, and how such work should have lasting value.

Point 1: We are Created and Called to Work with Excellence

Scriptures: Genesis 1:28

Genesis 1:28 NIV

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

In Genesis 1:28, God commands us to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth.

This mandate includes cultivating the world, building communities, and creating industries.

The work we do should mirror God's creativity and sustain the world around us.

When done with excellence, our work glorifies God.

Joseph's story, beginning in Genesis 37:5-36, provides a powerful illustration of this calling.

Even as a young boy, Joseph received dreams from God about his future role as a leader.

Genesis 37:5-7

Genesis 37:5–7 NIV

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.”

However, Joseph’s initial approach lacked the wisdom and humility needed for excellent work, particularly in interpersonal relations.

His journey—from being sold into slavery to eventually rising to prominence in Egypt—teaches us the importance of relying on God for guidance and strength.

Despite facing jealousy and rejection from his brothers, Joseph's conviction in his God-given dreams enabled him to persevere.

This narrative underscores that even with clear direction, the path to fulfilling our calling can be full of challenges.

Joseph’s brothers were threatened by his dreams and jealous of the favor he found with their father.

When you become clearer about the work God is calling you to do, others may respond to you with jealousy or rejection.

Yet, knowing that our work is ordained by God gives us the fortitude to overcome these obstacles and pursue excellence.

Point 2: Excellent Work Leads to God’s Favor

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23

Joseph’s life in Genesis 39 illustrates that working with excellence brings God’s favor, even in adverse circumstances.

Sold into slavery, Joseph served his master, Potiphar, with such diligence and integrity that he was put in charge of Potiphar’s household.

God's favor was evident as everything Joseph managed prospered.

Genesis 39:2-4

Genesis 39:2–4 NIV

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

However, excellence in work does not guarantee a life free of trials.

Joseph's moral integrity led to false accusations by Potiphar's wife and subsequent imprisonment.

Yet, even in prison, Joseph's commitment to excellence continued, and God granted him favor with the prison warden.

Genesis 39:19-23

Genesis 39:19–23 NIV

When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

This part of Joseph’s story highlights that God values the character behind our work more than the immediate outcomes.

Unlike today’s culture that often celebrates results at the expense of integrity, God rewards those who maintain their moral standards and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships.

Excellent work, therefore, is not only about achieving success but also about developing a character that reflects God's principles.

Point 3: Excellent Work Should Have Lasting Value

Scriptures: Genesis 41:1-40 ; 1 Corinthians 13:13

The narrative in Genesis 41 shows how Joseph's excellent work brought lasting value to Egypt.

When Pharaoh needed an interpreter for his dreams, Joseph was summoned from prison.

He credited God with the interpretation and proposed a plan to save Egypt from the forthcoming famine.

Genesis 41:15-16

Genesis 41:15–16 NIV

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Pharaoh recognized the wisdom and divine insight in Joseph's plan and appointed him to oversee its implementation.

Joseph’s work not only saved Egypt but also provided for surrounding nations.

His faith in God's provision, love for the people, and hope for a better future underpinned his actions.

This aligns with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 13:13, where he emphasizes that work done in faith, hope, and love will endure and have eternal significance.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Our work, when grounded in these virtues, gains lasting value.

By faithfully integrating God's wisdom and character into our labor, we contribute to His eternal purposes.

This holistic approach to work ensures that our efforts transcend temporal success and leave a lasting impact aligned with God’s kingdom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the call to excellence in our work is a divine mandate that glorifies God and serves humanity.

By understanding that we are created and called to work with excellence, recognizing that such work leads to God's favor, and ensuring our work has lasting value, we fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

Let us commit ourselves to work with excellence, drawing strength and wisdom from God, and reflecting His glory in all we do.

May our efforts be marked by faith, hope, and love, ensuring they resonate through eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TIO

conversation starters

Start Talking: Spark Conversation

1. Icebreaker Question: Have you ever felt particularly proud of a project or task you completed? What was it?

2. Yes or No Question: Do you believe that your current job or daily tasks can reflect God's glory?

3. General Question: Do you think it's important to strive for excellence in all areas of life, not just at work? Why or why not?

Start Thinking: Deepen the Thought

1. Reflection Question: In what ways do you think our work can reflect God's glory?

2. Insight Question: How does the story of Joseph illustrate the importance of character and integrity in our work?

3. Theological Question: How can we balance the pursuit of excellence with the reality that we may face challenges and setbacks, as Joseph did?

Start Sharing: Open Hearts, Share Stories

1. Personal Experience Question: Can you share a time when you felt your work was aligned with God's calling, even if it was challenging?

2. Story Sharing Question: Have you ever faced jealousy or rejection because of your commitment to excellence? How did you handle it?

3. Heartfelt Question: How have you seen God’s favor in your work when you committed to doing it with excellence, even in difficult circumstances?

Start Doing: Commit to Act

1. Practical Application Question: What is one specific area in your work or daily tasks where you can strive for greater excellence this week?

2. Action Step Question: How can you incorporate faith, hope, and love into your work this week to ensure it has lasting value?

3. Commitment Question: Can you think of a way to support a coworker or friend in their efforts to work with excellence? How will you do it this week?