Every church should strive to build a church culture that is Christlike. When every individual works towards imitating Christ and are united in purpose and vision, the Church’s culture can then be collectively shaped towards Christlikeness.
The prophet Daniel exemplified the culture of excellence. Daniel was one of the three presidents appointed over the 120 officials set by King Darius over the kingdom of Babylon. He was preferred above others because of an excellent spirit (Dan 5:12, 6:1-3).
- Daniel had an excellent character. He would not defile himself with the king’s food (Dan 1:8); he was trustworthy (Dan 6:4-5) and he was innocent in God’s sight (Dan 6:22).
- Daniel had excellent competence. God gave him skills in wisdom, understanding, discerning knowledge and interpretation of vision and dreams to serve in the king’s palace (Dan 1:4, 17, 20).
- Daniel had excellent chemistry with the people around him. God gave him favour and compassion with the master of the officials (Dan 1:9); he had wisdom and tact to speak with the commander of the king’s guard (Dan 2:14) and he saw to the affairs of Babylon together with his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan 2:48-49).
The Church can build an excellent culture if the excellent character, competence and chemistry of Christ is present in every member within the body of Christ.