Cultivating the Culture of Excellence (An Excellent Spirit Part 3)

Introduction

Welcome back to our series on An Excellent Spirit! In Part 1, we explored what it means to have an excellent spirit. In Part 2, we broke down the qualities that make up an excellent spirit—faithfulness, diligence, and boldness. Now, in Part 3, we’re going deeper into how we cultivate this spirit of excellence in our everyday lives.

Let’s be honest—excellence doesn’t just happen. It’s not automatic, and it’s definitely not easy. But it is possible. And the great news? It’s a journey we can all take, one step at a time.

What Is a Culture of Excellence?

Every group, organization, or church has its own culture—a way of doing things that becomes second nature. For us, excellence is a big part of that culture. It’s about refusing to settle for "just okay" and continually striving to do our best, not for applause, but to honor God.

As Galatians 6:8 (KJV) says, "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." If we want excellence to be our way of life, we need to sow the right seeds, and we need to keep sowing them daily.

Who Are You Surrounding Yourself With?

Here’s something we sometimes overlook: the people you surround yourself with matter. A lot.

Daniel had his crew—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (better known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). They weren’t just buddies; they were like-minded friends who pushed each other toward God and stood firm in their convictions.

Daniel 2:17-19 (NLT) tells us Daniel went to his friends when he needed help seeking God. These guys prayed together, supported each other, and held each other accountable.

Ask yourself:

Who are you doing life with?
Are they helping you grow?

Surround yourself with people who are passionate about excellence—people who challenge you to be better, not settle for less.

Submission: Learning From Others

Another key to cultivating excellence? Submission. Yep, we said it.

It takes humility to submit—to acknowledge that someone else may know more or have gone further. But submission is where real growth happens. Jesus Himself submitted to God’s will, even when it was hard.

Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV) says Jesus "humbled Himself and became obedient unto death." If He could submit, we certainly can.

We grow through:

Learning from mentors
Taking correction with grace
Being open to new ways of doing things

Some things can’t be taught in a classroom—they’re caught through relationship and submission.

Daily Habits That Build Excellence

Excellence isn’t about occasional big moments; it’s about what you do every day. Here are some daily habits to help cultivate that culture of excellence:

1. The Habit of Prayer

Daniel prayed consistently—three times a day. He didn’t just pray when life got tough; it was part of who he was.

Prayer keeps us grounded. It keeps us connected to God, and when we’re connected to Him, we reflect His character—faithfulness, integrity, diligence. That’s the Spirit of Excellence in action.

2. The Habit of Meditating on God’s Word

Spending time in God’s Word isn’t a box to check. It’s how we learn His ways and grow to reflect His nature.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMPC) reminds us that as we behold Him in the Word, we are "constantly being transfigured into His very own image."

3. The Habit of Reflection

Every day, take a few minutes to reflect. Ask yourself:

How did I do today?
Did I live with excellence?
What can I do better tomorrow?

Reflection keeps us honest with ourselves and helps us stay aligned with our values.

4. The Habit of Planning and Execution

Excellence requires planning. Don’t just let life happen—be intentional. Plan your time, set goals, and follow through.

Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) says, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit."

5. The Habit of Growth

Commit to learning and growing every day. Read books, listen to podcasts, take courses—whatever helps you grow in your calling.

Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom."

Wrapping It Up

Excellence isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a lifestyle. It’s a culture we build in our homes, churches, workplaces, and personal lives.

Are you ready to cultivate the culture of excellence in your life? Start today with small, consistent steps. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey.

👉 Want more? You can listen to the full sermon, "Cultivating the Culture of Excellence," on YouTube for deeper insights and practical applications.

Let’s go for excellence—together!