Can you think of someone you know who is exceptionally skilled? Maybe an athlete, an artist, a carpenter, a musician, or someone brilliant in their profession. Have you ever wondered where such remarkable skill comes from?
I believe it begins with purity of heart—a sincere desire to give one’s best effort. Not for fame, money, or glory, but from a place of integrity and genuine motivation. This is one reason many true craftsmen and artisans aren’t wealthy: they take such pride in their work that it’s difficult for them to charge what it’s worth. Many people don’t recognize quality. They don’t see the details. But a skilled craftsman sees the difference instantly.
Some time ago, I had a finish carpenter work on a room in my home. Several people had told me he was the best—and they weren’t exaggerating. His workmanship transformed an ordinary room into something elegant. He often spent more time than he was being paid for, simply because excellence mattered to him. His standard wasn’t set by money but by pride in his craft.
People who operate with this level of skill, diligence, and excellence are far too few today. Many just want to get in, get the job done, get the money, and get out. The results show it.
But as Christians, God calls us to a high standard in everything we do. Careful, diligent work brings reward. Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV) says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes one rich.”
Do we have it within us to be skilled and excellent at what we do? If you belong to Christ, the answer is absolutely yes.
Why? Because God deposits skill within His people.
Exodus 31:3–5 (KJV) reveals this truth:
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship… to work in gold, in silver, in bronze… in carving wood… and to work in all manner of workmanship.”
God, by His Spirit, gives wisdom, understanding, creativity, and the ability to develop high-level skills. He gives ideas. He sharpens craftsmanship. He cultivates integrity so we won’t compromise our standards. All this happens when we yield to Him and let His Spirit work in us.
God also plants desires within us that point us toward the things we love—the things we were created to do. Sometimes we don’t recognize these desires at first, but over time, they begin to guide us. When we patiently develop the skills God has placed within us, they bring blessing, fulfillment, and ultimately bring glory to God because we represent Him well.
Sadly, some people forfeit the very gifts God has given them—out of laziness, impatience, or the pursuit of money or recognition. But most people intuitively know that doing something you love brings a deep satisfaction that money alone can never match.
This doesn’t mean people shouldn’t earn a good income—of course they should. Some develop their skills on the job and get paid while learning. Others must develop them outside their job. Either way, the effort invested is worth the reward. As Scripture says, “…the hand of the diligent makes one rich.”
In everything we do, our motive for excellence should be to please God and bless people. We use our skills to honor Him. Does God see our diligent efforts? Absolutely. He is the One who perfects the gifts and abilities He placed within us, and they will lead to increase and fulfillment when used for His glory.
Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV) urges us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Give God your best—and He will bless the work of your hands.
