22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
“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.”
Excellent – Aramaic (yattir)
surpassing, extraordinary, superior, exceeding, preeminent.
1. EXCELLENCE IN CONVICTION
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.” 11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. Favor may open a door, but excellence keeps it open. Character sustains what opportunity begins.
As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.
Indeed, you are [imagining yourself] wiser than Daniel; there is no secret [you think] that is hidden from you; Excellence is an attitude before it becomes an accomplishment. Daniel possessed an “excellent spirit” before he was promoted. An excellent spirit is not merely a matter of natural talent or perfection. It is the result of a heart devoted to God that produces exceptional character, wisdom, faithfulness, and integrity.
BEING EXTRAORDINARY WITH THE ORDINARY
Excellence is not perfectionism. Perfectionism is driven by fear and the need for approval;
biblical excellence is motivated by love for God and a desire to honor Him.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Excellence is doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way for the glory of God.
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 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.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”
We will pursue excellence through faithful stewardship, intentional discipleship, continual improvement, leadership development, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, so that more people can encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
The post An Excellent Spirit first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
