Best Work Practices

"All of you who are skilled artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded." Ex. 35:10

In the book of Exodus we find that even seamstress and tailor were being on special mission with God. In fact, those who specialize in sewing and making curtains, along with those who make sinks, wooden planks, veils and screens tables, inlaid gold pieces, lamp stands, and other special items, were called to manufacture and craft the furniture and artifacts that would go into the Tabernacle. Exodus 25 begins the narrative that explains what the Lord wanted in the Holy Place . Chapters 35 and following give clues as to the people who were commissioned by God to actually make these holy furnishings...

Notice, the Spirit of God was active and involved with the employees commissioned to build these products (Ex. 35: 31-36:1). They were Spirit led! What about you? Do you allow the Spirit of God to lead you or do just do the best you know how?

Additionally, these men and women each had a willing heart! Sounds simple, but they wanted to be used by God (35:5). Do you? Have you really even considered that yet this morning? They were also "stirred" to do the work God had called them to (35: 21-22, 26).

That means they were passionately motivated. Do you think they ever found their work to be boring? Of course, they did, just like you and me! But when this call came to them, the Spirit fired them up and they worked with passion. Could you use a little of that this morning?

These workers were also skilled with specific abilities (See 35:10, 25, 34-35; 36:1-2). But these weren't preacher-skills. They were craft-related... tradesmen and women. Ordinary work-lives; being used by One Extraordinary God. You have skills, too. Do you know what they are? Are you honoring Christ with them?

Furthermore, they were generous not only with their skills and trades, but with their possessions and belongings (35:5, 22, 29). In fact, they gave so much raw material (gold and silver items and other precious commodities) for production that too much was actually contributed. Moses had to ask them to stop giving!

Lastly, they did their work with precision, just as the Lord instructed. No corner-cutting. No shortcuts. No change orders!

Today's Workplace Challenge: Review the basic characteristics of these "regular people" (like you) used by God long ago. We don't know most of their names now. We only know of the quality of their work and the fact that they really blessed God with their trades. Their best work practices were simply grounded in following God's orders and specifications. That's leaving a legacy with your life-work.

Are you doing the same today? You and I should be!

Have a marvelous Thursday as you outfit your Holy Place -your company, organization or office-with furnishings with labor of love, of thanksgiving, praise and worship to our Great Commissioner.

And be sure to thank God for your seamstress and/or tailor. They are doing God's work!

WB "The Other 6 Days" Journal