I often feel incompetent. I stand in awe of the rapid changes in the world around me and question my ability to keep up and stay relevant. There is a recurring temptation to compare myself to others who are experiencing a different kind of success. That produces either envy or discouragement. And I know this: those thoughts do not come from God! They are an upside down expression of pride, a focus on me instead of Him! Do those thoughts ever seek a place to take root in your thinking? Then, read on.
The people of the Lord, newly freed from Egyptian slavery, were learning to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses was directed to build a Tabernacle. So, he issued a call for all those who were 'willing' to give from 'what they had' for the project. The people responded with overwhelming generosity until Moses had to send out word, "Do not bring anymore gifts! We have more than enough to complete this project!" But there is another part of the story that captivates me. Here it is. "Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has 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 artistic craftsmanship." (Exodus 35:29-33, NIV)
God gave the necessary skill, ability, and knowledge to Bezalel to design and train others to build this place of worship! God is still building His Church (not a building this time but a Body of people) and the Spirit is actively working to equip each one to fulfill their calling! "God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, The Message)
If you’re spending time comparing yourself to another, or gazing with longing on the opportunities given to someone else, or putting yourself down with the claim that you have nothing to offer, you – not the Devil – will cheat yourself out of the most amazing, wonderful thing in the world. What is that? Participating in the work of God to bring about the defeat of evil and the revelation of His goodness. It’s not our intelligence, charisma, or attractiveness that makes us ‘successful’ in holy work. It is obedience and faithfulness. God’s own Messiah, the Savior, was not a man that impressed others! Isaiah says of Him: "My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way." (Isaiah 53:2-4, NLT)
Jesus was overlooked, ignored, and thought to be ‘cursed of God’ and yet through His obedience, God saved the world! When you put yourself in the hands of God and say, “Lord, use me,” don’t look for recognition to affirm your calling. Look to the Spirit to equip. Let Him live in you, work through you. Here’s a word from Word that is a key understanding. May it encourage you as it does me.
"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ... So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:3, 10-11, NLT)
Let's go build the Temple! And, as we do, let's claim the Bezalel blessing -- 'skill, ability, and knowledge,' to complete the work honorably and for the glory of God.
______________________
No comments:
Post a Comment