Choose Excellence
In every choice, there is an invitation.
Not just to choose what is easier.
Not just to choose what is acceptable.
Not just to choose what keeps the peace or protects my pride.
But to choose excellence.
Lord, help me discern — in all things — what is excellent.
Help me see the higher thing.
The truer thing. The cleaner thing.
The Christ-reflecting thing.
Your work in me is not finished.
And every ordinary choice becomes a divine opportunity to reflect You.
The book of Philippians this morning is so rich with the teaching of excellence.
It is not just a grand spiritual idea.
It is practical. Daily. Humbling.
There are earthly examples where I can clearly tell the difference between excellent and less-than-excellent:
Espresso and drip.
Calm and anxious thought.
Response and reaction.
Grace and sharpness.
Presence and performance.
Humility and pride.
And now I am learning to recognize the moment of choice.
It is rarely hidden.
It is usually right there — between my first impulse and my surrendered response.
I am beginning to see this sacred pause more clearly.
The choice is often waiting right there —
in the space between what I feel and what I choose to reflect.
Will I speak, or will I stay silent?
Will I respond, or will I react?
Will I spend this time with You, or spend it defending myself?
Will I move from wisdom, or from pride?
Will I think on what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and excellent — or will I rehearse what is anxious, offended, and small?
Lord, train me to choose the excellent thing.
Not because I am excellent in myself.
But because You are excellent in me.
Philippians 4:8 Choose what is Excellent.
“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.”
Philippians 1:9–10 Approve what is Excellent.
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…”
Philippians 2:5 Choose the Mind of Christ.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”
Philippians 2:14–15 Live as Light.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent… lights in the world…”
Philippians 4:9 Practice excellent things.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
