Striving for Excellence: A Call to Active Stewardship

Devotional

Day 1: Redefining Stewardship

True stewardship involves actively using and improving our talents.

In the Parable of the Talents, the master rebukes the servant who merely preserved his talent instead of multiplying it. This teaches us that true stewardship goes beyond mere safekeeping; it involves actively using and improving what God has given us. Striving for excellence means going beyond the bare minimum and investing our talents, whether they are natural abilities, acquired skills, or spiritual gifts, to yield greater returns for God's kingdom. The servant who merely kept his talent safe was called wicked and lazy, teaching us that God expects us to multiply our gifts for His glory. [02:31]

Matthew 25:24-26 (ESV): "He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?'"

Reflection: What talent or gift have you been keeping "safe" instead of actively using and improving? How can you start investing it for God's kingdom today?

Day 2: Excellence Over Mediocrity

Striving for excellence means going beyond the bare minimum.

In a society that often rewards mediocrity, Christians are called to set a higher standard. Excellence in our work and spiritual life honors God and sets us apart as His faithful servants. Striving for excellence means going beyond the bare minimum and investing our talents, whether they are natural abilities, acquired skills, or spiritual gifts, to yield greater returns for God's kingdom. This commitment to excellence not only honors God but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us. [04:23]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been settling for mediocrity? What specific steps can you take this week to strive for excellence in those areas?

Day 3: Mental Development as Worship

Loving God with our mind is an essential part of true worship.

Loving God with our mind is an essential part of true worship. Neglecting mental development is akin to false worship. Education and intellectual growth are not just personal pursuits but are integral to our spiritual service and effectiveness in God's kingdom. The Bible encourages us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Therefore, neglecting mental development is akin to false worship. By investing in our mental faculties, we prepare ourselves for more effective service to God and humanity. [13:53]

Proverbs 4:7 (ESV): "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight."

Reflection: How can you incorporate mental development into your daily routine as an act of worship? What specific area of knowledge or skill do you feel called to grow in?

Day 4: Competency as a Weapon Against Racism

Excellence and competency can break down racial barriers and change societal perceptions.

Excellence and competency can break down racial barriers and change societal perceptions. By excelling in our fields, we not only honor God but also set a standard that can combat systemic issues like racism and mediocrity. The story of Joseph exemplifies this principle; despite facing numerous challenges, his developed mental faculties and unwavering faith in God led him to positions of great responsibility and influence. By striving for excellence, we can set a standard that challenges societal norms and breaks down barriers. [12:04]

Genesis 41:39-41 (ESV): "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.' And Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.'"

Reflection: How can you use your skills and competencies to challenge societal norms and break down barriers in your community? What steps can you take to excel in your field for God's glory?

Day 5: Learning from Mistakes

Growth often comes through making and learning from mistakes.

Growth often comes through making and learning from mistakes. Just as Peter learned to walk on water by stepping out of the boat, we must be willing to take risks and learn from our failures. This process of trial and error is essential for personal and spiritual growth. By embracing our mistakes and learning from them, we can grow stronger in our faith and more effective in our service to God. [34:33]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a recent mistake or failure. What did you learn from it, and how can you apply that lesson to grow in your faith and service to God?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good evening, beloved. Today, we delved into the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25 and Luke 19, focusing on the conclusion where the master rebukes the servant who merely preserved his talent instead of multiplying it. This parable teaches us that true stewardship goes beyond mere safekeeping; it involves actively using and improving what God has given us. Striving for excellence means going beyond the bare minimum and investing our talents, whether they are natural abilities, acquired skills, or spiritual gifts, to yield greater returns for God's kingdom.

We also discussed the importance of mental development and education. In a world that often rewards mediocrity and punishes excellence, it is crucial for us to strive for intellectual and spiritual growth. Education and the development of mental faculties are not just for personal gain but are essential for effective service to God and humanity. The Bible encourages us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Therefore, neglecting mental development is akin to false worship.

Moreover, we explored how excellence and competency can combat systemic issues like racism and societal mediocrity. By excelling in our fields, we not only honor God but also set a standard that can change perceptions and break down barriers. The story of Joseph exemplifies this principle; despite facing numerous challenges, his developed mental faculties and unwavering faith in God led him to positions of great responsibility and influence.

In conclusion, striving for excellence in all areas of life, including our mental faculties, is a form of worship and service to God. It prepares us not only for this life but also for the life to come, where our developed abilities will be used for greater service in God's kingdom.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Redefining Stewardship: True stewardship involves more than just preserving what we have been given; it requires us to actively use and improve our talents. The servant who merely kept his talent safe was called wicked and lazy, teaching us that God expects us to multiply our gifts for His glory. [02:31]
2. Excellence Over Mediocrity: Striving for excellence means going beyond the bare minimum. In a society that often rewards mediocrity, Christians are called to set a higher standard. Excellence in our work and spiritual life honors God and sets us apart as His faithful servants. [04:23]
3. Mental Development as Worship: Loving God with our mind is an essential part of true worship. Neglecting mental development is akin to false worship. Education and intellectual growth are not just personal pursuits but are integral to our spiritual service and effectiveness in God's kingdom. [13:53]
4. Competency as a Weapon Against Racism: Excellence and competency can break down racial barriers and change societal perceptions. By excelling in our fields, we not only honor God but also set a standard that can combat systemic issues like racism and mediocrity. [12:04]
5. Learning from Mistakes: Growth often comes through making and learning from mistakes. Just as Peter learned to walk on water by stepping out of the boat, we must be willing to take risks and learn from our failures. This process of trial and error is essential for personal and spiritual growth. [34:33]
### [34:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - Introduction to the Parable of the Talents
[02:31] - Redefining Stewardship
[03:46] - The Master's Response
[04:23] - Striving for Excellence
[05:29] - Cultivating Spiritual Gifts
[06:33] - Using Our Environment for Growth
[07:34] - Excellence vs. Mediocrity
[08:40] - The Importance of Education
[10:56] - The Value of Mental Development
[13:53] - Loving God with Our Mind
[16:15] - Consecration and Education
[18:10] - Service in This Life and the Next
[21:25] - Enlarging Our Capacity
[24:14] - Developing Individuality
[27:22] - The Symbol of the Cross
[29:06] - The Role of Christianity in Education
[31:32] - The Importance of Thinking
[33:14] - Obedience and Mental Growth
[34:33] - Learning from Mistakes
[37:04] - Emotional Intelligence
[39:20] - The Story of Joseph
[42:54] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:24-30), what was the master's reaction to the servant who merely preserved his talent? Why was this reaction significant? [02:31]
According to the sermon, what does true stewardship involve beyond just safekeeping? [02:31]
How does the sermon describe the societal view on excellence versus mediocrity? [07:02]
What examples from the Bible were given to illustrate the importance of mental development and education? [10:56]

Interpretation Questions

Why does the master in the parable call the servant who preserved his talent "wicked and lazy"? What does this imply about God's expectations for us? [02:31]
How does striving for excellence in our work and spiritual life honor God, according to the sermon? [04:23]
What does it mean to love God with all your mind, and how is neglecting mental development akin to false worship? [13:53]
How can excellence and competency serve as tools to combat systemic issues like racism, as discussed in the sermon? [12:04]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own talents and gifts. Are there areas where you have been merely preserving rather than actively using and improving them? What steps can you take to start multiplying your talents for God's glory? [02:31]
In what ways can you strive for excellence in your daily life, both in your work and spiritual practices? Identify one specific area where you can go beyond the bare minimum this week. [04:23]
How do you currently engage in mental development and education? What new habit or practice can you adopt to further develop your mental faculties as a form of worship? [13:53]
Have you ever experienced or witnessed mediocrity being rewarded over excellence? How did it make you feel, and what can you do to set a higher standard in your own environment? [07:02]
Think of a time when you faced a systemic issue like racism or societal mediocrity. How did you respond, and how can you use your skills and excellence to combat such issues in the future? [12:04]
Reflect on a recent mistake you made. What did you learn from it, and how can you apply this lesson to grow personally and spiritually? [34:33]
Identify one person in your life who could benefit from your knowledge or skills. How can you share what you know with them to help them grow and develop? [37:37]

Sermon Clips

1. "Striving for excellence is not just to do the bare minimum. It is to go an extra mile. Talents in this story could well be anything that is either acquired, natural, original, something that you were born with, something that you acquired as you were growing. That's a talent. It could be the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are certain things you don't have until you accept Christ. You can't be a preacher if you don't have Christ. There are gifts that you are given as you receive the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit must be improved. They must be cultivated. God gives you a gift when you give it back to him, it must come with interest." [04:57] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "People who are excelling are actually targeted to be killed. You must be removed from the community because you are excelling. So as a result, it is becoming more comfortable to embrace mediocrity. Because you see, once you move beyond what is expected, then you become a target. It was Professor Johnson who at the University of Free State who said that we're living in a country that rewards loyalty and not excellence. Today, it's not what you know, it's who you know. People don't care. You know, you report to a person and say, I don't care about the statistics. I don't care about this. No one cares about the report you give. All I want is just make sure I get this and I get that. If you don't, you know what's going to happen. People are punished for thinking. You dare not think." [07:02] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I believe with all my life, beloved, I believe with all my soul, that there's something to be spoken. There's an argument to be raised. There is a point we can make for education, even if you don't get money. There must be something that is attached to excellence, to education, to the development of mental faculty, even if you won't get a raise for that. I think personally, that racism can be defeated by competency. Okay, it's good. It's good to chase those who utter racist statements. But when I go to iStore, like I did last time, and I see a black person, and I go to him, and I say, can you work on my iPhone? He looks at it, he plays with it, and does this, and asks a white person to help me. Now that, to me, is not racism. It's incompetence." [10:56] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Bible says, if you love God, love him with your heart, love him with your soul, love him with your strength, and love him with your mind. When we love God and don't include the mind in the loving, that is false worship. When the intellect is suspended, then you know there's false worship. Any religion that despises mental development is a false religion. I don't want to belong to a church that looks down upon education. Because that church is a false church. And its system is false. Its worship is false. If we're going to worship God, then we must worship God through an enlarged mind. We must worship God also by developing our minds." [13:53] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Salvation is not just a spiritual issue. Salvation is also a mental issue. And I know some of us think about salvation, safe from your sins. But salvation is also helping you to think. When you are saved, it's so that you can be able to think. I'll make that point later on. Listen to what Ellen White says in Christ's Object Lesson 333. She says, God desires that all his servants, let me see the hands of God's servants here. All his servants shall possess more intelligence and clearer discernment than the worldling. Those who worship God are a disgrace to God when they are less intelligent." [14:57] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "An uneducated, consecrated person to God can be used by God to be a blessing. Did you hear what I just said? Uneducated, if you are consecrated, if you are willing, if you are committed, you can be a blessing. Say Amen. Same consecration, same willingness, same commitment, but more education, you can be used even better by God. Let's say that again. We have no problem with commitment, no problem with consecration here. Let's do all of that. But you see, an educated person is a better tool in the hands of God than the one who is not educated." [16:48] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If education empowers you to offer a better service and a joy in this in this world and the world to come that means those who are educated even in the world to come will serve better than those who are not educated in the world to come. Listen to this statement the Lord has a great work to be done and now listen very clearly Palindrom 333 the Lord has a great work to be done and he will bequeath the most work in the future life to those who do the most faithful works service in the present life. I'm not saying others will not be saved. We will all be saved. But you know what? In the future life, when God bequeaths work, when God delegates in the new world, he will say, not you, not you. In the new world, you, because you've got a developed mental faculty." [18:10] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "When we are translated, the character is, but if your mind was here, it remains there. Translated at that point. You're going to heaven and you enjoy heaven on the level of your dwarfism. That's where you are. I know some of you may be having a problem with that. That's fine. You can think about it as you go home. Now, here's the point. If in serving, if in service, your mental capacity, your mental faculties are developed so that you enlarge your capacity, so you can serve more. What makes you think that when you go to heaven, you're ultimately... ...immediately and automatically achieve what I achieved through service?" [21:25] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "A less developed mind will always lead to a less developed character. People who are endowed by the Spirit. By the way, the Spirit of God is not just the Spirit that leads to power. It is the Spirit that leads to truth. There is rationality in being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is not just power. Power. Power to speak in tongues. Power to this. It is also power to think. It is also power to reason. It is the Spirit that reasons. It is the Spirit that empowers. It is the Spirit that leads to truth. And truth has serious rational elements. That's why we need to develop mental faculties. That talent that God has given you, work on it. Work on it. Develop it. Don't sit down." [23:25] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "When you study God you will be forced and compelled to begin to think like him all the schools you see you talk about Forte there was a mission college you talk about Harvard Harvard was a Christian institution all the best universities we have to do were started by missionaries where ever Christianity matched there was education alongside because when you worship God education the development of the mind becomes priority I mean we owe education to Christian now today what they have done is now they have discovered that the world is not created by God now now I can promise you there has been less scientific development since the day God was removed from science all they're doing is technology now they're just really they're just rehearsing the same thing there is no movement there is no progress because God has been removed from the classroom." [29:06] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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