Sermon Note.

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.

An excellent spirit means possessing an extraordinary, outstanding, and uncommon character marked by faithfulness, integrity, and diligence.
It involves commitment to doing things right, even when no one is observing you, but setting a high standard for oneself and striving for quality in all assignments.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EXCELLENCE

1. FAITHFULNESS AND INTEGRITY: A person with an excellent spirit is.
   Steadfast and refuses to compromise his/her values. He/she is committed to God and principles like Daniel, who continue to pray despite the prohibitive law. Daniel 6;7, 10-11.
2. DILIGENCE AND ATTENTION: This spirit is associated with being thorough, organised, and detail-oriented. It is doing your best whether or not anyone is watching you.
3. EXCELLENCE OVER SHORTCUT: Individuals with this spirit are willing to put in the necessary efforts and sacrifices to do things correctly rather than taking shortcuts.
4. STRIVING FOR A HIGH STANDARD: They consistently set the highest possible standards for themselves and take steps to improve, going the extra mile in their work.
   The Holy Spirit, when allowed to function in a Believer’s life, will produce the above and even more because He is the Spirit of excellence and perfection.
   You can’t have an excellent spirit without the Holy Spirit being active in your life. It goes beyond speaking in tough.

HOW TO DEVELOP AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT

1. New birth, Salvation in Christ is the entrance into a new life that brings a new order of life if obedience is in place. John 3:3&5.
2. Holy Spirit filling and remaining active in you. Acts 1:8. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of excellence and perfection.
   You must be filled with His presence in you and keep Him active by constantly praying in tongues and obeying His instructions.
   You can’t be excellent in what you do without Him.
3. The words meditation and prayers.
   Joshua 1:8. You must be a student of the. Word of God to give strength to your inner man. Meditation on the word will help drive the spirit of the word into your heart. Engage in ceaseless prayers. Excellence spirit works by these 3 powerful forces.
4. Discipline. Daniel 1:8. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
   The key to navigating life challenges is discipline
   Self-discipline is key to developing an excellent spirit. Discipline yourself to pray, study the word, and not to steal or tell lies. Discipline every area of your life that can make you offend God and men.

Have a wonderful week full of His blessings in Jesus’ name, amen.