Common sense is not as common as we might assume; our thoughts, emotions, and interactions are largely shaped by our cultural background, education, and life experiences. In this article, I will discuss two principles that may seem simple but are not always common: Excellence and Honor. While these principles are particularly relevant to our careers, they can be applied to every area of our lives.
This will be a brief article, but the advantage of these two principles is their simplicity. The disadvantage is that they are not exclusive to Christians—unbelievers can also benefit from them. So, what are these two principles? Excellence and Honor. You might have expected something more profound, but it truly boils down to these two key concepts. Let’s explore each one for a better understanding, and note that applying both simultaneously will yield the best results.
Excellence
Excellence is defined as being exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject. The Bible highlights this principle in Daniel 6:3: “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.” When we see excellent results, it is indicative of the spirit of excellence at work within the person. Achieving excellence requires self-reflection to recognize areas where we may not be performing at our best. By being honest with ourselves and God, the Holy Spirit can help us excel in our work, even in remote settings.
Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Often, we are overlooked for promotions because we only do the bare minimum, believing that our salary is the only reward we will receive. However, God is also watching how we perform our duties because He is shaping our character. We need to view our jobs as part of God’s work. How can we expect God to trust us with our own business if we are not trustworthy in our current roles?
The spirit of excellence is closely linked with integrity. Integrity means being the same person when no one is watching. Are you diligent when no one is observing? Can you manage yourself and deliver on your commitments? God wants to be visible through our actions, and our work should reflect that He is at work in us. By applying the spirit of excellence, we cannot be resisted or denied by God or people. When excellence is present, promotion is sure to follow.
Honor
Honor is defined as high respect or great esteem. As 1 Samuel 2:30 states, “Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.” God honors those who honor Him, and the same principle applies in human relationships. If we want to receive honor, we must first give it.
When discussing honor, it’s important to recognize that those who have worked harder and longer deserve our respect, regardless of age or status. Honoring our superiors at work is crucial. Honor has the power to elevate you beyond those who may have more qualifications. By honoring someone, you are acknowledging the effort and achievements they have made. Many people struggle to honor their managers because they believe those managers do not deserve their positions. However, it is not our place to judge others’ worthiness.
Honor also involves recognizing the authority of those in higher positions and understanding that they can open and close doors for you. When we apply these principles together—Excellence and Honor—doors will open as a result of adhering to spiritual principles. If doors remain closed despite applying these principles, it might indicate a deeper issue, which I will address in a future article. I believe that by embodying these principles, your promotion is on its way to you.
Bibliography: Oxford Dictionary
