A couple of months ago, my family and I had the pleasure of going on a Disney Cruise, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget. What really stood out to us was Disney’s commitment to excellence. Every aspect of the cruise was meticulously planned and executed, making it clear that Disney deeply cares about the experience of its guests. From the cleanliness of the cabins to the friendliness of the staff, to the attention to detail in every activity and meal, everything was designed to make us feel cared for, seen, and valued. It was as if the entire cruise was crafted to communicate one message: “You matter to us.”

It’s no secret that Disney’s motivation is, at least in part, driven by the desire to make a profit. They are, after all, a business—and a successful one at that. But what struck me on the flight home was a thought I couldn’t shake: If Disney can provide such an incredible experience motivated by profit, what kind of experience could we, as the church, provide if we were motivated by the gospel?

The gospel is the greatest news the world has ever known. It tells us that we are deeply loved by God, so much so that He sent His Son to die for our sins and offer us eternal life. This message should be the driving force behind everything we do as the church. But how often do we truly let the gospel motivate our actions, especially in the way we serve others?

My thoughts turned to the story of Daniel in the Bible, a man who was known for his “excellent spirit.” Daniel was a man who loved and served God with all his heart, and because of this, he distinguished himself in a foreign land. The Bible tells us in Daniel 6:3: “Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” Daniel’s excellence wasn’t just about his skills or talents; it was a reflection of his deep commitment to God. His dedication to doing everything with excellence stood out to those around him and ultimately brought glory to God.

So, how does the gospel motivate us? The gospel tells us that every person is precious to God. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that mankind is created in the image of God, and this alone gives every person inherent worth and dignity. But the gospel goes even further. It tells us that we are so precious to God that Jesus Himself entered into our world, took on human flesh, and died on the cross to save us. If God values people this much, shouldn’t we?

This understanding of the gospel should compel us to serve others with the same excellence and care that Disney showed on our cruise—but even more so. If Disney can create an environment where guests feel valued and cared for, how much more should the church create an environment where people feel loved, welcomed, and valued? Whether it’s cleaning up the kids’ check-in lobby, ensuring safety policies are in place, or having a hospitality team ready to greet newcomers, every detail matters because every person matters to God. When we serve with excellence, motivated by the gospel, we reflect the love and care of God to a world that desperately needs to see it.​

Josh Zello has been married to his best friend, Hannah, for five years, and they have a two-year-old little girl named Avery. Early childhood proves to be a critical stage of life. Preschoolers learn an incredible amount in such a short span, presenting a prime opportunity to present the teachings of Jesus in tangible and pragmatic ways. Due to this, he has dedicated over ten years to serving in preschool ministry, lending his efforts to churches ranging in size from 17,000 attendees to as few as 250. His passion lies in crafting gospel-centered, developmentally appropriate, and thriving preschool ministries.