There seems to be a growing priority and value placed on a pursuit of excellence. I’m in favor of this quest. I’ve been a part of discussions trying to define what “excellence” really is. For today’s post I want to look at Scripture to give us an idea.
In Genesis we read about two brothers and their sibling rivalry.
When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
Genesis 4:2-5 (New Living Translation)
There is a difficult sting for any of us when our gift is not accepted. The sting Cain felt resulted in anger growing out of control and then murdering his brother, Abel.
But why did God accept Abel’s gift, and not accept Cain’s?
In the Genesis passage, it’s clear that Cain brought a gift, but what Abel brought was “the best of the firstborn.” Hebrews 11 confirms this for us.
4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. Hebrews 11:4 (New Living Translation)
There’s an important lesson and a tough question each of us must face when it comes to our creative endeavors.
The Lesson - We all have something to offer. We all have unique perspectives and ideas. I can’t say this enough; when we think outside the box, we all have an opportunity to make an impact for something better in the life of someone else. We have an opportunity to work and present something with excellence to God.
I recently found myself working on something at church. I was finishing a mundane task I do every week. There were parts of the work that could be done a few ways, never noticed by anyone, and don’t affect the outcome. I was taught years ago by someone “the proper” way to do some of this work. It’s been confirmed to me over and over as “the best” way. I had an choice to make. A. I could do the job. B. I could do the job in a way that would take more time and never be noticed, but would be what I know is the best way to perform this task.
I took the plunge. I left that day with joy in my heart. What I had just done was not about anyone else. It wasn’t about recognition. What took place was between me and the Lord. But I walked away knowing I had given Him “the best” of my efforts. It was excellence that honored God, not me.
The Question – Which example will we follow? We can follow Cain who gave something. He made a sacrifice. He apparently loved God, knew God loved him, and wanted to give something in return as an act of worship. Abel also gave something and made a sacrifice. He also apparently loved God, knew God’s love for him and wanted to worship, but did so by presenting his very best. Though we all have something to offer, will we take the time, make the sacrifice and give our best?
Is God worthy of excellence? Absolutely. He has given us creative abilities to accomplish greater things that our selfish desires. He’s worthy of the extra time, effort and sacrifice. Even if no one ever knows but you, will you commit to excellence to honor God with your best?
Questions for you today…
- What does excellence mean to you?
- How do express “excellence” and “honor” in your life?
- What challenges do you face in offering your creative efforts as an offering to God?
Commit to giving God your best this week.
