Some people view being a Christian as a crutch that gives us more burdens than opportunity. But the message of the gospel is a driving force and it is one that motivates us to strive to become better in everything we do as we continue to grow in Jesus Christ.

When the word "Christian" comes into your mind, do you correlate it with excellence? Sadly, not everyone will say yes. That's because not all Christians exhibit a certain level of excellence that one would consider to be a stand out. But if we really understand the message of the cross and the power that is now available to us as believers through Christ and in the empowering of the Holy Spirit, we will be driven to excellence.

Philippians 4:8 invites us to pursue excellence when it says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

If there's anyone who should be more attracted to the idea of excellence by putting extra effort in to become the best you can be at your craft, your job, your relationships or your character, it should be Christians. That's because God has given us a Spirit of power and of excellence. God is a God of excellence and when He endows us with His Spirit, He endows us with an inclination to excel.

That's not to say that you'll always be number one at everything that you do, but when we have the fullness of Christ in us, we will be driven to work hard and to excel - not to earn God's favour and grace but to worship Him for His favour and grace. Colossians 3:23 says it best: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Now as we are born in Christ's resurrection, we are born into a new lifestyle and one that we would desire to glorify and honour God because He deserves all honour and glory. We are not necessarily obliged or forced to excel, but as we realise how blessed we are in Christ, we will want to maximise God's grace and calling in our lives.

Colossians 2:6-7 tells us, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

When we walk in Christ, we walk in His excellence doing everything to worship and exalt Him in everything we do.