Excellence for God’s Glory
Devotional week 48
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. Proverbs 22:29 (NIV)
As a college student or young professional, you are likely thinking about grades, promotions, and building your future. But have you ever stopped to ask: How far would I go to glorify God through my work or studies? Proverbs says that those who are skilled in what they do will serve kings. That is a powerful reminder—excellence opens doors, and God honors it.
In Genesis 1, we read that God made us in His image and likeness. That means we carry His creative nature. He gave us the ability to think, build, solve problems, and do things with care and beauty, just like He does. In Exodus 35, God gave special skills to certain people to build the Tabernacle. He did not just call them; He equipped them. That is who He is—the God who enables excellence.
Getting good grades or advancing in your career is not easy. It takes focus, discipline, and a lot of hard work. But here is the good news: you are not doing it alone. God has already placed talents and gifts inside you. He is not distant. He is deeply interested in your growth and success. He is the God of Excellency.
So what does that mean for you? It means your classroom, your office, your laptop—they can all become places of worship. When you study with purpose, work with integrity, and give your best, you are not just chasing a grade or a paycheck. You are glorifying the One who gave you those abilities in the first place.
Let your excellence be your testimony. Let your success point to the One who made you. That is how you glorify God in your career.
Challenge
I encourage you to dedicate your studies and your career to the Lord. Invite Him into your goals, your daily tasks, your challenges. Ask Him to help you grow, to sharpen your skills, and to open doors. He is eager to answer that prayer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for creating me and giving me the talents and skills I need for my career. Father, I need your help to reach the full potential you have given me, so I can glorify you in my career. May you be glorified through my daily work. In Jesus I pray!