The Spirit of Excellence (Back to School)

Photo image courtesy Pixabay

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬

In the Scripture above, Paul wrote a letter to Timothy who was his disciple and fellow worker, who had gone along with him on many mission trips. Since Paul was now in prison, he wrote to Timothy as an encouragement to stir up the gifts that were in him. He was also reminded about the strong faith which was in him as it was in his grandmother, his mother and was now passed into him. Paul spoke to Timothy about approved and unapproved workers and encouraged him to warn the people against strife. They were to study the Word of God to present themselves approved to God in order to skillfully teach and explain the Word. David has said before in Psalms that we need to study the Word of God and meditate on it day and night. As we study the Word and meditate on it, we will be like a tree planted by the river that brings forth fruit in its season. Our leaves will not dry up and whatever we do will prosper (Psalm 2: 2-3).

Having a solid foundation in God’s Word also enables us to have a spirit of excellence. This spirit was in Joseph who worked diligently when he was in slavery in Egypt. He prospered in his master’s house who made him overseer of everything he owned. Joseph ran into trouble when his master’s wife tried to sleep with him and he fled. She made a false accusation against him and he was thrown in prison. Even in prison, Joseph maintained an excellent spirit and he found favor with the guard who put him in charge. He still used his gifts while in prison to comfort other prisoners and interpreted their dreams concerning restoration and execution. Later on, the Butler who was restored remembered Joseph when Pharaoh had dreams that the magicians could not interpret. When he was called to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph gave glory to God. “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”” ‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭16‬) After Joseph’s interpretation, Pharaoh made him Prime Minister because he recognised that the excellent spirit of God was in him. 

Daniel also had an excellent spirit and when he and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were taken to Babylon in captivity, they were distinguished among men. When they arrived in Babylon, they went through a season of preparation before meeting with the king. They made up their minds not to be defiled by the meat and wine from the king’s table, but found favor with the steward who allowed them to eat only vegetables and drink water. At the end of ten days when they were examined, their appearance was better than those who ate from the King’s table. The steward allowed them to continue to eat as they had requested and to not defile themselves. In addition to their appearance being better, God also blessed them with superior knowledge and wisdom. “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” ‭‭(Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬) At the end of ten days, the king had all of the eunuchs brought in to him, including Daniel and his friends to be tested. In all matters of wisdom and knowledge the king found them to be ten times better than all of his magicians and astrologers. 

This knowledge and wisdom found in Daniel and his friends was supernatural insight given by God. They were able to tap into this knowledge as they consecrated themselves before God. As they were in Babylon and out of the sight of their parents and spiritual leaders, they could have revelled in the excesses of the king. They could have moved with the crowd and ate and drank as much as they wanted. I believe that their sacrifice in maintaining a clean and balanced diet, not only honored God but gave them clarity. That clarity helped them to think clearly and to be able to retain knowledge and wisdom. Educational institutions are established to train the next generation who will lead our society. The success of children in school and young adults in education is dependent on their ability to focus and retain information. Living for God, studying the Word and being consecrated is one of the major ingredients for success. Like Daniel and his friends, children of God can be ten times better than the world. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬)

Questions for Reflection:

1. What lessons from Joseph, Daniel and his friends can you learn which can be applied as you study?
2. Did you know that studying the Bible also helps you with your studies at school?
3. Have you considered praying before you study and asking the Holy Spirit to help you to retain what you study?