The Spirit Of Excellence: Part 3

Daniel 1:15 ~ "And at the end of ten days their countenance appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all  the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat."

As we continue in this series my prayer is that you are experiencing the promised richness of life rewarded as you walk in the spirit of excellence. Just a quick recap; the spirit of excellence is not interchangeable with excellence. One deals with character (the spirit of..) and the other with ability (excellence). The two work closely together but are not synonymous; an individual can operate in excellence and not have the spirit of excellence but with the spirit of excellence, one will do things in excellence.  It begins with a personal conviction to be set apart and not defile oneself with the carnal ways of their culture and surroundings; followed by respect for authority which encourages others (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) to follow suit on their similar convictions and take a stand for holiness. This is where we find ourselves in Daniel's story on the subject matter. He requested permission from leadership to eat a diet of vegetables and water. Access has been granted, and results were expected. 

I know you've heard it said that the proof is in the pudding, because no matter how great the talk is there must be a walk to match. If there isn't one the words spoken become empty and powerless and therefore defame the character of their source. In other words, your life must produce the fruit you proclaim! So where is your fruit? Does your life reflect the convictions you so passionately defend or the holiness you preach? Daniel purposed in his heart to not defile his body with the king's meat offered to idols and prepared in odious means. He stood on the wisdom of God (later penned in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul) that "Everything is permissible," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible," but not everything is edifying ( 1 Corinthian 10:23). The spirit of excellence thrives on glorifying God by living a life that is driven by edification, especially for others. The evidence of fruit (his countenance being healthier) proved him to be a man of integrity; a man of his word. How quickly we are losing that touch in today's society. We say one thing and do something else; over promise and under deliver. 

But let us who are children of the light be excellent at what is good and innocent of evil (Romans 16:19). When we say we're going to do something then let us do it and do it well. Let us not be known as people who promise to do but drop the ball continuously. Let our yes be yes and our no be no. 

Another benefit of a fruit producing life is proper resource stewardship. Paul advised to stay away of vain conversations and pointless arguments that robbed God's people of their time.  Don't get caught up in the distraction of convincing people about God working in your life. Let your fruit speak for itself. Focus your energy and other resources in glorifying God by being all he created you to be; by tapping into your uncharted potential and sharpening your strengths. Be like the Proverbs 31 woman who does not participate in idle talk but produces fruit which in turn praises her; from her children,, to her husband to her deeds (v31: Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise). 

• There is power in the fruit: an apple tree is not respected as one if apples are NOT produced. Fruit will naturally open doors at an accelerated pace than if you trying to achieve a goal without any. It will give you access to accomplish much and freedom to continue in the convictions you desire.
• There is purpose of the fruit: it was the very first mandate God gave man. To be fruitful and multiply in all things. It is a responsibility and a law given to leaders. Good leaders duplicate themselves and leave legacies in the earth to impact generations to come.  [Duet 28 fruitfulness in all things: in the womb, field, thought, deed, etc.] 
• The importance of the fruit: If your convictions are not producing fruit (visible change, results, authenticity) it may be time to re-evaluate some things. This allows you to renew your mind so that the proper transformation occurs. 

Let us not bring shame on the name of the Lord when our lives do not produce fruit (especially the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22-23). He cursed the fig tree that didn't do what he told it to do at creation when all things were made by him, (John 1). It was created with the purpose to produce figs for Jesus when he passed by hungry and it operated in rebellion and he cursed it. Now I'm not saying you will be cursed by him but it grieves him when we live unproductive, unfruitful lives that he died for to experience abundance and prosperity (Jn 10:10/3 Jn 1:2).You have been created to produce fruit for the Lord's glory. Your DNA is wired to do so as well. Make sure your life walks your talk. 

I'll leave you with this nugget: What I have shared is not a demand for perfection but rather a cry for a PERFECT GOD to shine in and through us. The Spirit of excellence is a life lived in grace and deep fellowship with the Holy Ghost. In our own strength, we fail before our legs hit the floor in the morning. 

Blessings,

Prophetess Victoria M. Scott