An Excellent Spirit: How to Stand out in Life and Faith (Part 2)

Introduction

Welcome back! In Part 1 of our series on "An Excellent Spirit," we explored Daniel’s life and how his faithfulness, diligence, and commitment to God made him stand out. But there’s more to the story. In this second part, we’ll take a closer look at three key qualities that build an excellent spirit—faithfulness, diligence, and boldness—and how you can apply them in your own life.

Let’s be real: we all want to live with purpose, to do our best, and to make a difference. But how do we actually live that out in the everyday? That’s where an excellent spirit comes in.

Faithfulness: Are You Trustworthy?

Daniel didn’t just show up once and get promoted. He lived a life of consistent faithfulness, and it made him trustworthy.

What Does Faithfulness Look Like?

Faithfulness means showing up, doing what you said you would do, and staying loyal no matter what. It’s about keeping your word even when it’s not convenient.

Think about Daniel. Even when he was taken from his home and forced into a completely different culture, he didn’t give up on who he was. He stayed true to God and his values. That’s not easy, but it’s powerful.

Can People Rely on You?

Ask yourself:

If someone gives you a responsibility, do you follow through?
Do you ease their burden, or do they end up chasing you for updates?

Jesus told a story in Matthew 25:14-30 about three servants. Two of them were faithful with what they were given, and they were rewarded. But one buried his talent and made excuses. Don’t be that guy!

Diligence: Excellence Requires Effort

Faithfulness is the foundation, but diligence is the work ethic that brings excellence to life.

What is Diligence?

The dictionary defines it as “careful and persistent effort.” In simple terms? It means not cutting corners and not giving up when things get tough.

Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV) says, "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men."

Daniel served diligently under four different kings. Joseph worked hard whether he was a slave, a prisoner, or second-in-command of Egypt. They didn’t slack off. They gave their best, no matter where they were.

And you can too. Maybe you’re in a job that’s not your dream right now. Maybe life isn’t where you want it to be. But diligence right where you are can open doors you never imagined.

Boldness: Courage to Stand Apart

Excellence often requires us to be bold—to do the hard things, take a stand when no one else will, and step out of our comfort zones.

Why Boldness Matters

Boldness gives you the courage to live by your convictions.
It empowers you to make decisions that honor God, even when it’s not popular.

Daniel prayed openly, even when he knew it could cost him his life. That’s boldness. And it’s part of having an excellent spirit.

Why It All Matters

Here’s the deal: God isn’t going to ask you to do something you can’t handle. He gives grace for every assignment. Our job is to say yes, show up, and bring our best.

Bible Examples of an Excellent Spirit

Daniel 6:3: Daniel had an excellent spirit and distinguished himself.
Joseph: Diligent and faithful, he rose to leadership despite hardship.
Caleb (Numbers 14:24): He followed God fully and inherited the land.

Final Thoughts

Having an excellent spirit isn’t about perfection. It’s about being faithful, diligent, bold, and full of integrity. And when you live this way, God will open doors and elevate you in ways you didn’t expect.

Ready to go deeper? You can listen to the full sermon, "An Excellent Spirit - Part 2," on YouTube and spotify for more insights and practical ways to live this out!

Let’s commit to living with an excellent spirit—one step at a time!