Forward this email to a friendSome time ago, I had a finish carpenter remodeling our three season porch. I had been told he was the best. They were not exaggerating. This gentleman could do amazing things with finish carpentry work. He took what might have been an ordinary room, instead turning it into an elegant room with his finish work. He standard for excellence in his work was amazing. I know he often takes more time that the cost of the job would pay him. It never hinders him from hitting his high standard of excellent craftsmanship.
Upon the finishing of the carpentry work, I hired a young man who was highly recommended to do the painting. Because of the detail in the finish work, I needed a special kind of paint and technique to be done. I was awed by the level of skill and diligence and attention to detail in his work. His work was so superior to anyone else’s I had ever seen, that it amazed me. (I at one time owned a painting company so I knew good work from bad.) This young man's dedication to his craft will serve him well in life.
How does great skill come? I believe it starts with a purity of heart in wanting to give the best and caring more about the work than the money. This is probably why most artists and craftsman aren’t rich. They take such great time in their work that it’s difficult for them to charge the value the level of their work deserves - at least until their reputation is established. Then it will reward them handsomely. My experience has been that most people don’t pay attention to the details and don’t know good work from okay work.
People operating in this level of skill and craftsmanship are way too few. For many people in business, it’s just about getting in there, get the job done, and get out with the money. The quality and work may easily be substandard and they don’t really care.
I believe that God has called us as Christians, to have a high standard for our work, no matter what it is we do. Careful and diligent work will always bring reward in the long run.
Proverbs 10:4 says,
“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.“Do we have it within us to be skilled at what we do? If you tell me you are a Christian then the answer is yes!
God, by His Spirit, gives us wisdom to learn our skill, and the ability to comprehend and understand what it takes to do the best work. The Lord will help us with witty and creative ideas. If we will yield to Him, He will develop us as men and women with highly developed skills and ability. His integrity formed in us will keep us from letting money delude our work ethic and standard of excellence. You can see that excellence starts with yielding to God and letting His Holy Spirit work in you.
Exodus 31:1-5. “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "See, I have called by name Bezalel... 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."God-given desires are deposited within us to help lead us toward things we truly enjoy doing. As we patiently but diligently develop those skills and abilities, they will eventually bring reward and blessing to us and glory to God as we rightly represent Him. Some people will forfeit the very thing God has put in them because of their love and drive for money or impatience in perfecting them. I think most people inwardly know that doing something you love and enjoy, brings a satisfaction and pleasure from doing it that is worth more than any fleeting pleasure money can bring.
Don’t get me wrong. People do need to make an income and I am all for people doing their best and making a good income. Sometimes skills are practiced and developed on the job and they get paid while they are developing them. That’s great. Others will have to develop them outside of their job. The effort made will be worth the result in the long run. When one works to perfect his/her skills and abilities diligently, good things will follow - as we read,
”But the hand of the diligent makes rich.“In everything we do, God desires that we develop a spirit of excellence and use our skills and abilities to glorify Him!
Does God see and know our diligent efforts? Absolutely! He is your source of perfecting the very gifts and abilities He has placed within you. They will lead to personal increase and a life you enjoy living!
Hebrews 6:10-12 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
