Our answer must come from God Himself. In the parable of the talents, the good servant is commended while the lazy servant is not only denounced, but his laziness is equated with wickedness (Matthew 25:14-30). Let us also note Paul’s admonition, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
The following are seven ways God brings about the spirit of excellence in us:
1) By helping us realize our own weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
2) Through the prayers of others (Colossians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:2).
3) Through someone sharing the Word with us (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10).
4) As we study the Bible for ourselves (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
5) Through suffering (1 Peter 5:10).
6) By giving us a “hunger” for holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1).
7) Through a desire to have the fruit of our lives brought to perfection (Luke 8:15).
Christ, who is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) waits to take over our frustrations and failures and turn them into “joyful” accomplishments that bring glory to the Lord (Matthew 5:16). The One who still does “all things well” (Mark 7:37) is waiting to “make you perfect in every good work … working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight” (Hebrews 13:21).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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