Excellence

September 05, 2011 Monday Message:

Nowadays, when we think of an offering to God, our first thought is of the check we drop in the basket each week. That’s important, to be sure; but when we volunteer, serve in our churches, shelters, food-shelves, and go on short-term mission trips, those things too are offerings to God.

Our offerings to God are to be first-class stuff, the best we can bring. 500 years before Jesus, God felt insulted when his people brought defective animals for sacrifice. It’s the same today; God is disrespected if we give less than our best service. Malachi 1:6-14

Frankly, we’re to do our best all the time. Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Years ago I was taught, “Excellence honors God and inspires people.” It’s just as true today, especially in light of our assignment from Jesus, to “go and make disciples of all nations…” If we’re doing church with excellence, people are proud of it, get excited about it, and newcomers want to become a part of it. Therefore excellence ignites evangelism.

“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17a

Blessings,

Norton Lawellin