God’s Excellent Ones (Scholars) - Go Beyond

Psalms 16:2-4, O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.” As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

 

Last Sunday, my wife and I recognized some young scholars as part of our church service called, Scholar's Sunday.Patricia had the idea to encourage students and graduates with a special recognition. Once again, we witnessed the power of encouragement. Included among the group of students advancing to higher grades where a high school graduate and a college graduate.

 

I shared a special sermon in their honor, we presented each scholar with certificates of recognition, and enjoyed refreshments afterwards. My wife noted that many students had missed out on in-person recognitions the past two years because of COVID, so this spring was a return to celebrations and commencements.

 

Their response to the recognitions confirmed in importance of empowering, recognizing, and giving words of wisdom to young people. In Psalms 16 God called His people, "Excellent Ones" and said that He delights in them. Excellent comes from the word, "Excel" which means "Go Beyond."

 

Some of the keys I shared to going beyond in commencing and advancing in education included.

 

1. Stand in your space. Earn and demand respect.

2. Commit Yourself to God: Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

3. Trust the Lord more than your own understanding: Proverbs 3:5-10 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

4. Work for God, not only for people: Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

5. You were built for purpose: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

 

Here is a link the entire message and video on Youtube.

 

Let's make it a point to encourage young people as life long learners and scholars. It goes a long way towards motivating them to Go Beyond.

 

God Bless and Be Encouraged!