Skip to main content

A Call To Excellence

"His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1)

We are to diligently seek all things of God that pertain to life and godliness. Peter writes on, that to confirm our calling and election we are to be diligent at practicing certain qualities and if we practice these we will never fall.[1] In sequence we are to add these qualities, to faith we add virtue; to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance godliness; to godliness, kindness; to kindness, love.[2] We begin with faith and add virtue, virtue is defined as a particular moral excellence, good behavior or character or quality, the conformity to a standard of right.[3] The word virtue is used by Peter to describe a quality we are to have; we are called to virtue and are to add to our faith virtue.[4]. The power of God has given us, through the knowledge of him and his great and precious promises, the ability to participate in his divine nature, his character, when we add these qualities we will not be unfruitful in the knowledge of him.[5]

We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then, is not an act but a habit-- Aristotle. After being conformed to this world it is not an easy task of conforming to a standard of right. Picture a rocket blasting into outer space, much fuel/energy is expended in escaping earth's gravity pull, however once in space conforming to gravity is much easier, though you would have other issues to deal with. Habits too have tremendous pull, like the gravity pull of reaching orbit example, breaking out of the orbit of a habit is possible but requires much fuel. Stephen Covey writes In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that if we can learn to use the pull of habits to our advantage we can establish new ones based on principles that bring long-term beneficial results. Most think this impossible as it is usually not all done by God but requires effort on our part. Even those accepted in the church tend to be of this mind-set, reflecting it to others and wondering why others are not delivered as they. Many stand in the shadow of the steeple living with issues and believing they can not change. The power of God has given us the ability to live out qualities that are fruitful, being conformed to a standard of right and being transformed by the renewing of the mind.[6] 

Habits become the basis of a person's character; we develop habits for what we value, we repeatedly do or act out values, this acting out becomes our character. The qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love are things that God values, they are his nature. Through God's power we learn to live these things as we participate in his nature, bringing us to a deeper knowledge of him. When valued and lived out they become our character.[7] They become our standard operating procedures.[8] The things of God are his character, what he values, so as believers living these things out reflects God's character or image in us which glorifies him. Anything else is winging it, not living to the standards of God. Maturing in Christ is to pursue virtue, doing these things of God so that we are richly supplied into the way of the kingdom of the Lord and savior Jesus Christ.[9] We must be diligent in confirming, doing, and stirring up, discipleship of others, into remembrance of these things as long as we are in this tabernacle of the flesh.

One would think this only applies to people who need to change "real bad" habits but as I put forth this call to excellence in my business, establishing Core Values that become the character of my business, reflecting Christ in the Marketplace, I struggle with finding people who reflect these values in their daily lives.[10] Like an iceberg, there are two fundamental parts to leadership: that which is easily seen – above the waterline and that which is more difficult to see – those qualities below the waterline.[11] I seek what is not easily seen, by implementing interviewing and training processes that aim at getting underneath the perception of. Even in the local organization of the church which I am a member and love, I find those who do not live these values out nor want to be accountable and responsible for doing so, it is easy to put on our Sunday clothes. It is a powerful thing; to add virtue to our faith, this adds to the foundation preparing the way for knowledge and other qualities. We are to seek virtue or excellence in the things of God; knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. When we do not we are not living out the great commission of  "as you go" which for most is into the marketplace, where we work.

We need to diligently seek the things of God, to understand our identity, call, and election to help us know and value our role in the church. To value God is to value excellence, to be excellent is to seek outstanding or valuable qualities.[12] While we will fall short of his excellence, excellence is our calling. When we depend upon his power we can live out his qualities. Peter states that we will never stumble if we through his divine power and knowledge pursue these things. Jesus received from God honor and glory, by a voice being carried to him by such way of excellent glory.[13] Peter heard this voice from heaven, a prophetic voice that declared Jesus the Son of God. Peter writes that we do well to take heed, as unto a light shining into darkness, until the day comes and the day star comes in our hearts,[14] that there is more confirmation of the prophetic word of God being carried along through men by the spirit of God.[15] 

"If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things...practice these things" (Philippians 4:8). A call to excellence.

Redemption - JJ Heller

Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more