Known for Excellence

Excellence is to do a common
thing in an uncommon way.
—Booker T. Washington,
African-American educator

Imagine you’re at the movies with a friend, and you run into an acquaintance you know from work. The three of you chat a bit, and then the acquaintance moves on. After she leaves, you might remark to your friend, “She’s a special woman. She’s so very thoughtful.” Or you might complain, “She’s a tough one! Most of us have a hard time getting along with her.” Or you might even say, “I’m so impressed by her. She’s committed to caring for a brother who’s mentally ill.” What identifies this woman, in your mind, is what stands out about her character.

A kingdom woman is known to others, and commended, as a woman of excellence. Like Phoebe, whom the apostle Paul commended for being a servant of the church and a help to many (Romans 16:1–2), the kingdom woman is known, recognized, and identified by her excellence of character. Whether she’s organizing a church supper or teaching Sunday school or taking out the garbage, others notice her.