“See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.” – Exodus 31:2-3
Have you ever marvelled at how IT technicians seem to know the resolution to every issue you have with your laptop by heart and even go as far as reciting the steps you are to take to resolve the issue without looking at a manual? This is because they have spent good time understanding the workings of digital devices and resolving issues alongside which helps give them leverage over a normal user.
This trait is called mastery and it is something every believer must possess both in the understanding of doctrine and in the secular expressions of their gifts. Today’s text highlights a man called Bezalel filled with the Spirit of God not just in wisdom and knowledge but in all manner of workmanship which was instrumental to building the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant down to the specifics.
Reading through this story from Exodus 25-37 on the building of the temple and tabernacle, we understand that to be relevant in God’s plan for mankind, we must also be relevant in the natural things of life. Your natural skills and gifts will come in very handy in the furtherance of God’s plan in the earth.
Furthermore, you must understand that mastery commands the attention of not just believers but even unbelievers in our sphere of influence. A skillful person will most likely be referred or called up for any engagement or opportunity. In Matthew 5:16, we are instructed to shine our light for the world to see and this should also reflect in our approach to our gifts expressed through our career, artisanship or studies.
A vital way to build mastery is to be diligent at what your hands find to do (Proverbs 22:29, Ecclesiastes 9:10). You must treat the work of your hands as God’s business which cannot be done casually. Wake up every day with urgency and dedication to your work.
Another way to build mastery is to benchmark and exceed. No unbeliever who does what you do for money should do their work better than you who do it for souls. You must remember that everything you do as a believer can be a platform that opens up the hearts of people to hear the Gospel.
If there is a better way to do your work, learn it. Take courses, practice in and out of season, and make extra effort to do better each day at what your hands find to do. This will make you stand out and in turn, open up the hearts of people to God through you. (1 Kings 10:23-24, Daniel 1:4)
As you go forth today, know that you have an excellent Spirit in you which you must give expression through your gifts by taking steps to be a master in it.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76