Sermon Notes

July 26, 2015

Arise and Shine – A Spirit of Excellence


The world responds to excellence. When someone has been successful, we turn our ear to what they have to say. From businessmen to athletes, performers to educators, craftsmen to healthcare professionals; when you’re excellent at what you do, people want to know your secret. When you stand up and stand out, you get to speak loud! And people will listen to what you have to say.

As Christians, we’re called to be influencers. A friend sent me a picture the other day of a guy standing on the side of the street holding a sign that read, “Jesus is returning September 22.” Now, you can do street evangelism, there’s nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t suggest putting a date on the return of Jesus … but you can share the Gospel. But you tell me, how much influence does the stranger on the street corner holding a tattered sign shouting scriptures have on the average person?

People are looking for proof. Who do you go to when you need financial advice? What if you’re looking for parenting or relationship advice? In your field, where do you go to get tips and insight? You go to the people who’ve had success. If you want to have influence, you’ve got to stand above the crowd.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house (Matthew 5:14-15 NKJV).

You are the light! God’s put you on a lampstand, wherever you are. It’s your choice how brightly you shine. You can hide under a bad attitude, negativity and contempt for your co-workers or you can “arise and shine” by doing what you do with excellence and making people ask, “What’s different about you? What’s your secret?”

Joseph was thrown in jail, and he became head of the jail! He was bought as a slave, and became overseer of the house! It doesn’t matter what position you start in. What matters is that you handle what your given with excellence.

When God sent His one and only son He was spotless—without blemish. If God sent us His best, it is only appropriate that we present back to Him our best. Whatever He has placed in your hands, pursue it with excellence! When you do so, doors you could never have imagined will open, and you will gain favor with men and influence for the Kingdom!

May the world see the greatness that lives within you. Be excellent!

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