Excellence, as a concept, transcends mere achievement or success; it is the pinnacle of human potential and virtue. The Bible provides a profound narrative of excellence through its depiction of God and the lives of His faithful servants. By examining the stories of Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth, we see a divine pattern that calls us to pursue excellence in all aspects of our lives.
GOD: THE PARAGON OF EXCELLENCE
From the creation of the universe to His intricate plans for humanity, God exemplifies excellence. The Bible begins with a depiction of God’s creative prowess, stating, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31, NIV). This declaration sets a precedent for excellence, indicating that everything God undertakes is marked by quality, purpose, and perfection.
In the Psalms, David reflects on God’s works, proclaiming, “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness” (Psalm 111:7-8, NIV). God’s excellence is not just in His actions but also in His character. His faithfulness, justice, and righteousness serve as the ultimate standard for humanity.
THE CALL TO HUMAN EXCELLENCE
God’s embodiment of excellence serves as an invitation for humans to strive towards the same. The lives of biblical figures such as Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth provide vivid illustrations of this pursuit.
DANIEL: EXCELLENCE IN INTEGRITY AND WISDOM
Daniel’s life is a testament to the pursuit of excellence through unwavering integrity and wisdom. Despite being in exile in Babylon, Daniel distinguished himself by his exceptional qualities. “Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom” (Daniel 6:3, NIV).
Daniel’s commitment to prayer and adherence to God’s laws, even in the face of persecution, highlights his integrity. His wisdom and excellence were recognized by the Babylonian kings, leading to his rise in a foreign land. Daniel’s story demonstrates that excellence involves not only skill and intelligence but also moral integrity and faithfulness to God.
JOSEPH: EXCELLENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY
Joseph’s journey from slavery to rulership in Egypt underscores the power of excellence amid adversity. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph’s life was fraught with challenges. However, his unwavering faith in God and his consistent demonstration of excellence in his duties led to his rise. “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master” (Genesis 39:2, NIV).
Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and his exceptional administrative skills eventually earned him a position of great power. His story reveals that excellence involves resilience, perseverance, and steadfast trust in God’s plan.
RUTH: EXCELLENCE IN LOYALTY AND DEVOTION
Ruth’s story is one of devotion and loyalty, both to her family and to God. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, uttering the famous words, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16, NIV).
Ruth’s excellence is seen in her hard work and loyalty, as she gleaned in the fields to support Naomi. Her character and dedication eventually led to her marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth’s life illustrates that excellence is found in steadfast devotion, humility, and love.
THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TODAY
The lives of Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth provide powerful examples of how excellence can manifest in various forms—wisdom, integrity, resilience, loyalty, and devotion. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate these qualities in our own lives. The Apostle Paul urges believers to strive for excellence, saying, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).
In every endeavour, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, we are to pursue excellence as a reflection of God’s nature. This pursuit is not about achieving perfection but about honouring God through our efforts and character. By doing so, we not only fulfil our potential but also serve as a testament to God’s greatness.
In conclusion, God is the ultimate embodiment of excellence, and His example calls us to strive for the highest standards in all aspects of our lives. Through the stories of Daniel, Joseph, and Ruth, we see that this pursuit is marked by integrity, wisdom, resilience, and devotion. As we seek to honour God through excellence, we become living testimonies of His glory and grace.
Written by Elder Dr. Bismark Owusu-Sekyere Adu (Senior Lecturer and Head of Institute of Leadership and Governance, Pentecost University)
