CULTIVATE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT

21/0625

Christian Treasures Daily Devotions

Topic: Cultivate an Excellent Spirit

Anchor Scripture: Daniel 6:3 KJV

“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.”

The story of Jacob claiming the birthright of his elder brother Esau in Genesis 25:29-34 often overlooks the importance of the porridge. To grasp this narrative fully, we must explore the spirit of excellence.

What is the Spirit of Excellence?

The Spirit of Excellence embodies the essence of the living God. It distinguishes and elevates individuals in remarkable ways. This spirit propelled Daniel into the king's palace, earning him recognition from four consecutive governments. It also elevated David as a young boy, celebrated for his extraordinary musical talent, and it raised Joseph to prominence in a foreign land.

The Spirit of Excellence is unique; it leads people to honor and prestigious positions.

In Genesis, we witness Esau, famished after returning from the field, pleading with Jacob: “Give me some of that red lentil stew.” This highlights that Esau had likely savored Jacob's dish before, indicating Jacob's exceptional cooking skills, particularly his porridge-making talent.

Esau’s desperation drove him to declare, “Give me porridge or I die.” In this moment, Jacob seized an opportunity, proposing, “I will give you my porridge if you give me your birthright.” The birthright was a profound blessing associated with being the firstborn. Esau, prioritizing his immediate hunger over his destiny, likely thought, “Who cares? Just give me food.” This illustrates a lack of self-restraint and self-indulgence on Esau's part.

By yielding to Jacob, Esau unwittingly allowed his brother to grasp this pivotal opportunity.

Lessons to Learn:

1. Resist yielding to cravings.

2. Recognize and seize opportunities, as Jacob did.

3. Practice self-restraint.

4. Cultivate the Spirit of Excellence by striving to be the best in your pursuits.

The Spirit of Excellence can elevate you, regardless of your circumstances, as long as you invite it to dwell within you.

Take a moment to prayerfully reflect on today’s devotional—more inspiration awaits tomorrow.

Bible Study Verses:

Genesis 25:29-34