The Skillful Worker

Hello CM Team,

Wanted to share this article with you which reminds us to raise our excellence wherever we are doing whatever we're call to do.

in HIM,
yOOn


THE SKILLFUL WORKER
Thursday, November 03, 2005

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)

The Lord has called each of us to be excellent in what we do. Those whom God used in the Kingdom as workplace ministers were skilled, and exemplified excellence in their field. Not only were these men skilled, they were filled with God's Spirit.

‘Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship"’ (Exodus 31:1-5)

Consider Huram, the master craftsman of bronze to whom Solomon entrusted much of the temple designs. He was a true master craftsman (see 1 Kings 7:14)

Consider Joseph, whose skill as an administrator was known throughout Egypt and the world. Consider Daniel, who served his king with great skill and integrity. The list could go on - David, Nehemiah, Aquilla and Priscilla.

I recall the first issue of an international publication we began. It was common to hear the comment, "It doesn't even look like a Christian magazine." They were saying the quality and excellence exceeded what they equated to Christian work. What a shame. Has inferior quality become synonymous with Christian work?

May we strive for excellence in all that we do for the Master of the universe.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)


A WORK PRAYER

Lord, please help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be an excellent worker for You. Thank You that this is not a matter of striving, but a matter of giving over to You. I now renew my commitment to serve You as a reliable Christian worker. Amen.


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (for small group and individual)

1. Have you encountered excellent work by Christians?

2. Have you encountered inferior work by Christians?

3. How did each case affect your or someone else’s opinion of the Christian’s faith?


DISCUSSION FORUM

Want to discuss this lesson with others? Need a place to express your thoughts and feelings about your work? Post your thoughts or discussion in the My WorkLife Community Forum. Try it!


This WorkLife Lesson was written by Os Hillman. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Os founded Marketplace Leaders (marketplaceleaders.org), and is director of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries (ICWM.net). Content edited and distributed by HisChurchatWork.org for non-profit educational purposes.
Distributed by HisChurchatWork.org © - used for non profit educational purposes only.