2314) Each of us has gifts and abilities we were born with. We might have a head for numbers, organizational skills and athletic abilities.

All of these things are good, and yet, there are specific gifts God gives his children, often labeled the “Gifts of the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12)

These gifts are promised to God’s children, and when we choose to find out what gifts are given to us, then the excellence begins.

Daniel 6:3 tells us Daniel was distinguished above all the other high officials because an excellent spirit was in him.

The word excellent used here is yattiyr, in the Hebrew translation (these chapters in Daniel were originally written in Aramaic) which means an over and above ability, given by God, that is so much greater than all others.

When I think about this, I see these results in those who have gone before me. I hear Handel’s Messiah. I see the life of Billy Graham. I read about the life of Corrie Ten Boom.

If you are a child of God, he has planted his “excellence” within you, too. It’s important, therefore, to find out what this (these) is (are).

And even if you never write a piece of music that moves hearts eternally or preach sermons to thousands who turn to Christ or hide Jews within your home, your gifts are just as important.

We may never know the results of our labor for God on this side of eternity. But just because we don’t see it now, doesn’t mean it’s not in the category of excellence.