By Mike Riley

The first necessary quality of a spiritual leader who “stands out” is the spirit of excellence! He who strives for excellence will not be counted among the also-rans. The question is asked, “How does a spiritual leader develop the attitude of a spirit of excellence in a day when almost anything can be passed off as good enough”? Our answer must come from God Himself. In the parable of the talents, the good servant is commended while the lazy servant is not only denounced, but his laziness is equated with wickedness (Matthew 25:14-30). Let us also note Paul’s admonition, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). The following are seven ways God brings about the spirit of excellence in us:
1) By helping us realize our own weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9; And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me).
2) Through the prayers of others (Colossians 4:12; Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; We always give thanks to God for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers).
3) Through someone sharing the Word with us (1 Thessalonians 3:10; as we keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may see your faces, and may complete what is lacking in your faith).
4) As we study the Bible for ourselves (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work).
5) Through suffering (1 Peter 5:10; After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you).
6) By giving us a “hunger” for holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God).
7) Through a desire to have the fruit of our lives brought to perfection (Luke 8:14;  and the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity).
Christ, who is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2; looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God) waits to take over our frustrations and failures and turn them into “joyful” accomplishments that bring glory to the Lord (Matthew 5:16; Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven). The One who still does “all things well” (Mark 7:37; And they were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even those who are deaf hear, and those who are unable to talk, speak”) is waiting to “make you perfect in every good work … working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight” (Hebrews 13:21; equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.).