And he did his work so much better than the other governors and officials that the king decided to let him govern the whole kingdom.
Daniel 6:3 CEV
Have you ever considered the reason why Daniel has such an excellent spirit? What made him stand out among the other governors, or how he became the perfect biblical example of someone who has an excellent spirit?
Daniel didn’t stand out just because he prayed or sought God’s face alone. He stood out because he combined spirituality with diligence. The Bible says he had “an excellent spirit,” and this was evident in how he carried out his responsibilities because he did his work so much better than the others.
Daniel was not lazy or entitled. Even after he was given the high position, he didn’t relax or cut corners. Instead, he consistently exceeded expectations, applying wisdom, excellence, and dedication to everything he did. This teaches us something vital: spirituality without diligence is incomplete, and being a believer is not an avenue for laziness.
Prayers are powerful, but they must be matched with hard work. Daniel didn’t rely only on his connection with God—he applied himself fully to his duties. He was consistent, disciplined, and committed. As a result, the king noticed him and preferred him above others. His excellence wasn’t just spiritual; it was practical, visible, and admirable.
If you desire to be preferred, promoted, or seen as exceptional, don’t just pray for the spirit of excellence—live it. You must be diligent in whatever you do. Whether you’re working under someone or it’s your business, ministry, or any responsibility placed in your hands, do it wholeheartedly. Don’t work carelessly just because you’re not the owner. Let the results of your efforts reflect Christ in you. Let people be wowed by the quality of your work, not just your words.
The truth is, you won’t be the one to say you have an excellent spirit. Others will see it in how you work, how you think, and how you handle responsibilities. Daniel didn’t sit around waiting for the spirit of excellence to fall on him. He did what he knew how to do—and did it with all his heart. As he gave his best, God added favour and increase. That’s how he became preferred.
Being spiritual is not just about praying and fasting. God desires to be glorified in every part of your life, including your career and responsibilities. Your commitment, character, and competence are part of your Christian witness.
As a believer, match your spiritual excellence with practical diligence. Let your faith produce visible fruit through your actions if you want to stand out like Daniel. Strive to be the best, not for self-glory, but so that God can be glorified through you.
Living it out
From today, make a conscious decision to stand out. Strive to be the best in whatever you do. Remember, if you don’t prove trustworthy with little, no one will entrust you with greater opportunities. You must let go of laziness and mediocrity. Be faithful, even when there’s no immediate reward and when no one is looking. Work as though it belongs to you. Let nothing spoil in your hands. Let the excellence of your work reflect the excellence of the God you serve.