11 Characteristics of the Spirit of Excellence

This post is all about the spirit of excellence!

In the book of Daniel, we are introduced to a man who had the spirit of excellence. His name was Daniel, and he served God with all his heart. He was a man who relied on God’s strength, not his own. In the same book, we are also told about Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego!

This post will discuss what it means to have a spirit of excellence and why it is so important. We will also examine some key examples from biblical stories that demonstrate this quality.

Ready? Let’s go!

What is the meaning of excellence?

The English dictionary defines it as “the quality of being outstanding.” While this is true, the biblical definition of the spirit of excellence is much deeper. Like, for real…much, much deeper…

Since we will be discussing Daniel, let’s look at the meaning of excellence as per the context in which it was used. In my research, I found that Aramaic was the language used in Daniel 2-7.

Per Chaim Bentorah, a ministry dedicated to studying the original Hebrew language, they state that the word used means pre-eminence. That means Daniel’s spirit was essentially preeminent over the flesh.

Immediately when I read that, Galatians 5:16 came to mind, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

That is so deep, and I appreciate Chaim Bentorah for always being a good resource when I’m stumped as to understanding root biblical words and their meanings.

This is what I deduce from all of this: when we walk in the spirit of excellence, we are preeminent over the flesh. We are letting the spirit lead. We are fully yielded to the Spirit of God.

Isn’t the word of God beautiful? These revelations never cease to amaze me. ❤️

My personal testimony …

I learned about the spirit of excellence around 2015/2016 when I did a deep dive into the book of Daniel.

From then on, I started to pursue excellence and saw a shift in my life. I immediately got a promotion at my place of work and also became in charge of a large research project.

Since then, the spirit of excellence continues to be central to my purpose journey.

I’m living proof that this principle truly works.

Essential Facts about walking in the spirit of excellence

There are a lot of misconceptions about the spirit of excellence. Some people think it means perfection, while others believe it’s synonymous with superiority.

Here I will go over different misconceptions as well as facts so that I can debunk incorrect ideologies about the spirit of excellence. I believe this will help you lay a strong foundation for walking in the spirit of excellence.

Let’s begin…

Excellence isn’t perfection

One of the biggest myths about excellence is that it means perfection. This couldn’t be further from the truth! The spirit of excellence doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect; it simply means giving your best effort. It’s important to remember that we’re all human, and we all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from our mistakes and continue to strive for excellence.

If you struggle with perfectionism, please click here to read my post once you are done reading this one. It comes with a YouTube deep dive.

Spoiler alert⚠️: One of my tips on beating perfectionism is to pursue the spirit of excellence! 🤣. Ok, I know I’m kinda captain obvious at this point. Hehe. Anyways, Let’s continue, shall we…

Excellence isn’t superiority

Another common misconception about excellence is that it means superiority. This is also not true! Just because someone is excellent at something doesn’t mean they’re better than everyone else. Everyone has their own unique talents and gifts, and we should all strive to use them to the best of our abilities.

Excellence is a choice

One of the most important things to remember about excellence is that it’s a choice. We can choose to be excellent in everything we do, or we can choose mediocrity. It’s up to us! When we choose to be excellent, we’re choosing to set ourselves apart and to do our best.

Excellence is a lifestyle

Another essential thing to remember about excellence is that it’s not just something you do once in a while. It’s something that you strive for in everything you do, big or small. It’s a lifestyle! When you live your life with excellence, it becomes a part of who you are.

Excellence is contagious

One of the best things about excellence is that it’s contagious! When you see someone else striving for excellence, it inspires you to do the same. Before long, excellence becomes a habit, and it starts to spread like wildfire!

Excellence is rewarding

Last but not least, excellence is rewarding! It’s definitely worth striving for! When you live your life with excellence, you’ll find that good things start to happen. You’ll be more successful, you’ll feel better about yourself, and you’ll make a difference in the world.

Shadrack Meshack and Abednego

First, let me give you the Babylonian names that they were also referred to as while in captivity:

• Daniel- Belteshazzar
• Hananiah- Shadrach
• Mishael-Meshach
• Azariah-Abednego

Ok, so let’s begin…

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to eat the King’s food. The King’s food (meat) had been defiled and dedicated to idols. So instead, they requested to eat vegetables. Even so, it is said that, “At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” (see Daniel 1:3-19)

Right after that we are told, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

These four men were put in a position where they could have easily compromised their beliefs. However, they remained true to what they believed in and as a result, were rewarded for it. This truly shows the spirit of excellence at work. (see Daniel 1:18-20)

Later in Daniel 3:8-25, we are told how these three young men refused to worship the Babylonian’s false gods. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. Even though flames surrounded them, they did not give in to the King’s demands. Instead, they remained true to their beliefs. As a result, they were able to come out of the furnace unharmed. This story is a great example of how the spirit of excellence can help us overcome difficult challenges in life.

No matter what obstacles we face, we can always choose to excel. How wonderful would it be to emulate Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and stand up for what we believe in. It is possible to be courageous and face our challenges head-on. We can choose to live our lives with the spirit of excellence.

Daniel’s excellent spirit…

Although Daniel was in captivity, he quickly rose through the ranks because of his excellent spirit. The Babylonians recognized that Daniel had a special relationship with God. They saw that he was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, even when it meant going against the King. Daniel’s faithfulness to God led him to be promoted again and again.

One key example of Daniel’s excellent spirit is found in Daniel 5. Daniel was called upon to interpret a writing on the wall for the King of Babylon. At that point, nobody could tell him (the king) what it meant. When Daniel was brought before the King, he did not hesitate to tell him the meaning. He boldly proclaimed that it meant that the King’s kingdom would be destroyed. This story shows us that we need to have an excellent spirit when it comes to our work. We need to be willing to do our best and give God all the glory.

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

Daniel 5:12 (KJV)

Another example of Daniel’s excellent spirit is found in Daniel 6. In this chapter, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because he refused to worship the Babylonian god. Even though he knew he could be killed, Daniel did not give up his faith. He continued to trust in God, and was protected from the lions. This story shows us that we need to have an excellent spirit when it comes to our faith. We need to be willing to stand up for what we believe in, even when it is hard.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Daniel 6:3 (KJV)

These are just two examples of how Daniel had an excellent spirit. If we want to serve God with excellence, then we need to follow his example. We need to be willing to stand up for our faith, even when it is hard. We need to be willing to do our best and give God all the glory. When we serve God with excellence, He will be glorified, and we will be blessed. So let us follow Daniel’s example and serve God with an excellent spirit!

11 characteristics of the spirit of excellence

The Spirit of Excellence is based on biblical principles and characteristics that will help you succeed in all areas of life.

For this section, I will explore 11 of these characteristics based on the story of Daniel as well as Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.

If you want to be successful, it is essential that you develop these qualities in your life!

1. Integrity

The first characteristic of the spirit of excellence is integrity. This means being honest and truthful in all that you do. It also means living up to your commitments and promises, even when it’s difficult.

2. Discipline

The second characteristic of excellence is discipline. This means having self-control and living a life that is orderly and disciplined. It means making sacrifices and choices that may not be popular but are ultimately best for you.

3. Full faith in God

The third characteristic of excellence is full faith in God. This means trusting Him completely and knowing that He is in control of all things. It also means believing that He will provide for you, even when everything seems hopeless.

4. Reliance on God

The fourth characteristic of excellence is reliance on God/ not relying on your own strength. This means acknowledging that you are weak and that you need God’s help. It also means trusting Him to give you the strength you need when you need it.

5. Humility

The fifth characteristic of excellence is humility. This means having a humble attitude and not thinking that you are better than others. It also means being willing to serve others and putting their needs above your own.

6. Right attitude or mindset

The sixth characteristic of excellence is having the right attitude or mindset. This means setting your mind on things that are good and pure. It also means thinking positive thoughts, even when things are tough.

7. Fruitful

The seventh characteristic of excellence is being fruitful. This means bearing fruit in all that you do. It also means being productive and positively impacting those around you.

8. Obedience

The eighth characteristic of excellence is obedience. This means being obedient to God, even when it’s difficult. It also means obeying His commands and living according to His will.

9. Patience

The ninth characteristic of excellence is patience. This means being patient with others, even when they’re difficult. It also means being patient and not giving up when things get tough.

10. Perseverance

The tenth characteristic of excellence is perseverance. This means never giving up, even when things are tough. It also means continuing to strive for excellence, even when you don’t feel like it.

11. Passion

The eleventh characteristic of excellence is passion. This means being passionate about what you do. It also means doing things with enthusiasm and energy.

If you want to be excellent, start by developing these character traits. Then, put them into practice in your life, and watch God work through you in amazing ways.

Purpose and excellence

In the Kingdom of God, I believe there is a correlation between purpose and excellence!

Yes, the spirit of excellence is vital for walking in our God-given purpose. It is the key to unlocking our God-given giftings and anointing. When we walk in the spirit of excellence, we walk in Daniel’s footsteps.

When we think of the word excellence, what often comes to mind is success in our career or maybe academic achievement. But the truth is, the concept of excellence goes much deeper than that. Excellence is a state of mind, a way of approaching the world with a positive attitude and a willingness to do our best.

No matter what area of your life you want to focus on, the spirit of excellence can help you get there. If you’re looking to improve your relationships, excel in your studies, or simply be a better person overall, the principles of excellence will apply.

It is essential to understand the the spirit of excellence and how it correlates to our calling and purpose. It would be wise to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the spirit of excellence so that we can walk in this revelation.

Prayer for the spirit of excellence

Heavenly Father,

I come to You today asking for the Spirit of Excellence. I want to be like Daniel, walk in his footsteps, and become excellent in all I do. Help me always put You first and seek Your will in every area of my life. Please give me the strength to not compromise my values. I know that with Your help, I can do all things and accomplish great things for Your kingdom.

I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

And that’s it, folks, the spirit of excellence

The spirit of excellence is something that we should all aspire to have. It is a way of life that will bring us joy and success.

Thanks for reading! I hope this article has inspired you to strive for excellence in all aspects of your life.

Be on the lookout for a YouTube video accompanying this blog post! It will be available 09/12/2022. Stay tuned!

Hugs!