Excellence Ministers
When the Queen of Sheba traveled to visit King Solomon in 1 Kings 10, she came with questions, but she left in awe.
She had heard stories about his wisdom and reputation, but what she experienced firsthand was far greater.
“When the queen of Sheba experienced for herself Solomon’s wisdom and saw with her own eyes the palace he had built, the meals that were served, the impressive array of court officials and sharply dressed waiters, the lavish crystal, and the elaborate worship… it took her breath away.”
(1 Kings 10:4–5, MSG)
She wasn’t just impressed by his words, but by his works.
It wasn’t just what Solomon said, it was how he lived that moved her to glorify God.
Excellence isn’t about perfection. It’s about purpose. It’s the daily decision to honor God in how we work, serve, lead, and live.
It’s remembering that just because you’re not holding a microphone doesn’t mean you’re not a minister.
Every detail, every interaction, every moment of preparation, it all speaks.
Excellence isn’t just about impressing people. It’s a testimony that points others to God.
A while back, I was invited to speak to a group of college students. It wasn’t a large event, just a casual gathering, but I still wanted to serve them well.
Even though I was only asked to share a few thoughts, I felt prompted to go the extra mile. I put together some slides, outlined my message clearly, and created a few follow-up resources they could take with them. It wasn’t anything flashy, just thoughtful and intentional.
To be honest, I didn’t do it for applause. I simply wanted to help them grow and point them toward something deeper.
Afterward, one of the students came up to me and said, “I could tell you really cared.”
That comment stuck with me. It reminded me that excellence isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being intentional.
Even when no one asks for more, choosing to do your best can speak louder than you think, and sometimes, it opens hearts to hear from God.
So How Do We Cultivate a Mindset of Excellence?
Here are three ways to practice excellence in everyday life:
1. Commit to What’s in Front of You
You don’t need a title or stage to reflect God.
Show up with purpose. Do the everyday things, emailing, parenting, studying, hosting, with the heart of someone who’s serving something greater.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23
2. Care About the Details
Excellence lives in the follow-through.
Return the call. Proofread the message. Go the extra mile.
Being thorough isn’t just a work ethic, it’s a form of worship.
3. Create Environments That Reflect God
You don’t need to build a palace like Solomon to minister through excellence.
You can create peace, order, and beauty wherever you go, your home, your workplace, your next conversation.
When people experience intentionality, kindness, and care, it leaves a lasting impression.
Solomon’s excellence made an eternal impact, and yours can too.
You don’t need a spotlight to make a difference.
You don’t need a microphone to minister.
Excellence ministers.
Through how you show up, how you serve, and how you honor God in the details.
So before you move on with your day, pause and ask God to help you carry that mindset with you.
God, Help me reflect You in the way I work, serve, and show up.
Give me the heart to do ordinary things with extraordinary care.
May my excellence bring You glory and draw others closer to You.
Amen.
Make It Personal:
Where in my life have I been giving the bare minimum instead of my best?
What’s one area: at work, at home, or in relationships; where I can be more intentional this week?
Do I see my everyday responsibilities as opportunities to reflect God? Why or why not?
Who might be impacted by the way I show up, even if they never tell me?
Am I doing things to be noticed, or to honor God with my effort?
