"Excellence" April 15 Readings: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

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Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026

This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New. 

Bible Readings: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer. 

Background:  

Today's readings in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles tell of the building of the Temple by Solomon.

Daily Devotional: Excellence

It is an argument that has often been had in choirs and music programs around the country, especially back when "special music" was more a part of worship than it is in many churches today. Many over-evaluate their own musical talents. I have heard many a solo sung in church by folks who should be reluctant to sing anywhere but the shower.

"Sing a joyful noise to the Lord," someone will respond. It's more about your heart for worship than the quality with which you worship. It is more about the beauty of our praise than the beauty of our buildings that ought to matter. It is more about enthusiasm than excellence, right?

There is certainly truth there. If our hearts are not right, then all the production value, grandiose beauty, or musical excellence will not suffice, but that does not mean that God cares nothing for beauty or excellence. When we examine the building of the Temple and its staffing, we see a God of order and excellence and beauty, one who also cares about skill. Music in the Temple was performed for God's glory to the highest standards of quality.

As we live our lives, it matters most that we do things from a pure heart, a heart of joy and humility. Our desire must be to serve God with passion and purity. As we serve him, it is also good to seek to do things well and to serve Christ with skill and excellence. These can be at odds, and we must always seek to keep them in balance.

Father, may I serve you with a pure heart, but also seek to do all things well. 

 

Consider God's Word:


In your service to God, do you seek to keep the balance between a pure heart of passion and a desire for skill and excellence?

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