Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom (Daniel 6:3, NIV).
Beautiful One, have you ever been known for something exceptional? Has the word exceptional ever described you? More importantly, do we really understand what the word exceptional means?
To be exceptional means: To be better than average: superior, deviating from the norm. Exceptional also means to be excellent, or something wonderful.
Beautiful one, in a world that screams for us to conform to the norm by day, but whispers disingenuous lies about our faith at night, how can we be exceptional people?
The hard truth is that there is a lot of thought and care that must first be wrestled with in the recesses of our minds. For some of us, it might take a lot of attention because we are so conditioned to focus on others, or the cares of this world, that we miss opportunities hidden deep within us which can help us be exceptional.
Learning How
We are the masters of our fate. In other words, God has given us the power to live a life that is exceptional. Every day, despite ourcircumstances, we have the choice to be better than average. But, it is a choice. It is also possible to deviate from the norm, and break off into something that goes above and beyond what we expect from ourselves and others.
Expectations also play a huge part in our life. If we don't think we are capable of achieving something, than most likely we won't even try. When this happens, we negate our opportunity for favor and blessing in our lives. We receive nothing, because nothing was ever done to begin with!
Acting On It
Take our work for instance. For some, it might simply be an exceptional thing to deviate from the norm of complaining about how difficult, or boring, or whatever it is about work that bothers us. This is rising above our circumstances; this is becoming exceptional. Maybe we could do more than is required of us, and do it when no one is looking!
How about our relationships? How wonderful would it be to esteem another with excellence? Showering them with affectionate words that will build them up, instead of tearing them down. Lending our ears more than voicing our opinions, or actually taking the time to show someone else that they are valued and worthy-- this is what exceptional living is about. Wouldn't it be an exceptional thing to forgive someone on the spot, or to return genuine kindness following someone else's an unpleasant act?
Learning From Others
Beautiful One, the Bible says that Daniel so distinguished himself, that it not only got him noticed, but rewarded. Did he distinguish himself for the applause of others? No. He happened to be the same consistent man, both day and night. In a crowd or alone by himself, Daniel was exceptional and only acting for an audience of One: God.
So what exceptional qualities did Daniel possess? Being fearless was a huge qualitiy. He didn't allow others opinions to sway him. He also stayed true to his ideals and beliefs. When people succumbed to the pressure of adversity, Daniel didn't move one bit. He stood his ground and defended God, the most High, trusting God would defend him in return.
Even in the face of death, Daniel remained faithful to what he knew was right and true. Prayer and worship never left his side. Daniel was a leader and follower to none. He deviated from the norm, in his devotion to God. Not only was he admired for these qualities, but rewarded big time.
Being exceptional Today
Beautiful One, today, let's deviate from "our norm." Let's go beyond the usual efforts we normally make. Then, what can we do to get out of our boxes? Sometimes the fear of failure, rejection or the fear of the unknown can seem harder to face than our reality.
So what! No one who is exceptional is ever comfortable. Conformity is obviously comfortable, but exceeding even our own expectations would be a wonderful thing to experience. This is not only wonderful, but it is possible. So let's start today!
Beautiful One, just believe!
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