A Portrait of a Ministry of Excellence

KingdomView, Vol. IV, Issue 8 

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:21 & 1 Kings 10:1-10 

CHARLES GORE (d. 1932), A BRITISH THEOLOGIAN AND ANGLICAN BISHOP SAID, "God does not want us to do extraordinary things; He wants us to do ordinary things extraordinary well." To express this thought plainly, we are to serve God with a spirit of excellence. What does the expression "spirit of excellence" mean? I am defining it as "to work unto the Lord with the highest degree of professionalism, productivity, and skill." (1 Chronicles 28:21) We are to perform all legitimate tasks as unto the Lord. (1 Corinthians 10:31) In 1Chronicles 28 and 1 Kings 10, we will seek to validate my definition. Let us begin by examining 1 Chronicles 28:21.

In 1 Chronicles 28:21, David is explaining to his son Solomon that the priests and Levites are ready to assist him with the construction of the temple. God does not permit David to build His temple because he is a man of war (22:8). However, God did permit him to supply materials for its construction (22:1-5). An important principle is drawn from 1 Chronicles 28:21, which is "God supplies skilled people to aide you in fulfilling your calling." He will send them with the knowledge, skills and abilities to assist you in ministry; or He will raise them up and enable them to acquire the skills needed for the task from within your ministry. Notice in the passage that the priests and Levites are skilled. In essence, they have the ability to serve in excellence. (Exodus 31:6; Proverbs 22:29) Likewise, as a servant of the Most High you are to be industrious and use your skill(s) with the highest degree of professionalism both at work and for His kingdom. Now, let us turn our attention to our final passage in 1 Kings 10 for examination.

In 1 Kings 10:1-10, The Queen of Sheba pays a visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. Her visit is not happenstance but intentional due to Solomon’s fame and wisdom. (10:1a) She came to put him to the test (10:1b). Solomon would not disappoint her for he would exceed her expectations. The Bible says:

        . . . She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that was on her mind. So Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain to her. When the queen of Sheba observed all of Solomon’s wisdom, the palace he had built, the food at his table, his servants’ residence, his attendants’ service and their attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered at the Lord’s temple, it took her breath away. She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your words and about your wisdom is true. But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told half. . . . 1 Kings 10:2-7 HCSB

Notice that the queen’s breathe was taken away at the excellence that was on display before her. Solomon’s wisdom and the regal display of excellence in his court overwhelmed the queen. As representatives of the Most High God, I believe we are to put our best foot forward always both at work and in kingdom service. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Let us always minister in excellence!