Influence
Exodus 31:1-6 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “See, I have called by name Bezalel 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, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. “And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you. (NKJV).
Some days you hear things you feel are very special. Things that may well define history. Recently I was in a room and heard things I would say are just that. History defining. I heard the business plans of two men, I heard their plans for a new venture, I heard their passion and I saw their presentations.
The feeling I got that day was this was the beginning of something special. I saw their skill already in the presentations and the way they spoke of the future as though it were a soon reality was inspiring.
I was excited and thankful – and it got me thinking. The influence these businesses will have for the Kingdom of God will be huge as time goes by. The gifts God has given them are being used. Just like the skill and gifts God gave to Bezalel and his team to build the temple.
Notice what our text for this Brief Word includes.
“I have called”.
The call of God is not just for pastors, evangelists, and full-time Christian workers. God calls people to serve with skills that will make a difference to society, with abilities in business, education, medicine and government. The influence people can have for the Kingdom of God when they use their God-given talents wherever He has places them in society is phenomenal!
If God has given you a gift and skill in a certain area, you can also know His call to use those gifts for the good of those around you and the Kingdom of God.
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God”.
Don’t forget Bezalel was – as some would say – just building a building. But notice that even for that task God had filled him with the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just for church! That’s a good place to start. But then we need to be filled and empowered and anointed to do what we do, to use our gifts and talents in the areas of society God has placed us. Wherever we serve, be it full time in church work, as a doctor, nurse, driver, salesperson, house-wife, clerk or teacher, we NEED to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can use the skills God has given us, be the influence God wants us to be and build what it is He wants us to build.
“Wisdom, understanding, knowledge, workmanship”.
Again, here’s Bezalel just building a building. But, we read that God – notice it was God who – filled him with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and workmanship. I’ve always believed Christian workers should be excellent in their workplaces. Why? Because we’re called to be there, we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, and, we’re filled with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and workmanship. That should set us apart as good and faithful workers, who make a difference and have influence because of those things.
I get very excited whenever I see and hear someone who is skilled at what they do. In whatever field it is. To see someone doing what they do – their work – with passion, skill, knowledge, understanding really gets me going! It is when people discover who they are and how God has made them, and that He has called, gifted and filled them with His Holy Spirit, then given them a place of service in education, or medicine, or technology, or government, or the church, or construction, whatever it is.
That is when people are at their best and are therefore able to be the best witness to the power of Christ living within. It’s a natural lifestyle. When we know we’re where we’re meant to be, doing what we’re meant to do, knowing we have His calling to be there, knowing His wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and workmanship in what we do, then I believe our witness is genuine and the opportunities to speak and share our faith come from an overflow.
In the room hearing the presentations I mentioned earlier, I was thrilled because here was someone using their talents, exercising their gifts, with the security and confidence that this is what God had called them to do. It was exciting.
There’s no need to be ashamed of the gifts God has given you, no need to wish you were created different. You could be just like Bezalel. You can know you’re called, you can know and experience being filled with the Spirit of God, and you can know God’s wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and His workmanship ability to be who He has called you to be and do what He has called you to do.
