Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Can you think of someone you know who you’d consider to be a highly skilled person? Have you ever thought about where that great skill comes from? I believe it starts with a purity of heart in wanting to give one’s best effort, whether that be in a sport, work effort, etc., from a pure heart and motivation—not money, fame, or glory that would taint the reasoning for the best effort. This is probably why most artists and craftsman aren’t rich. They take such great pride in their work, that it’s difficult for them to get the value the level of their work deserves. Many people don’t pay attention to details and don’t know good work from okay work. That drives a skilled craftsman or artisan crazy. They can see the difference in a second. 

Some time back, I had a finish carpenter working in a room of my house. I had been told by numerous people that he was the best. They weren’t exaggerating! This gentleman could do amazing things with finish carpentry work and would take what might have been an ordinary room and turn it into an elegant room with his finish work. He wanted his work to be excellent. I knew he often took more time that the cost of the job would pay him, yet that never seems to hinder him from hitting his high standard of excellent craftsmanship.

People operating in this level of skill, craftsmanship, and excellence are way too few! For many people in business, it’s just get in there, get the job done, get the money and get out! The quality and work may easily be substandard but they really don’t care.

As Christians, God has called us 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 NKJV says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent will make one 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! Why do I say that? Exodus 31: 3-5 KJV reveals that God deposited within us, skills uniquely given for the life and purpose He has called and leads us to when we are submitted to Him. “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, by His Spirit, gives us the wisdom to comprehend what it takes to do our best work and the ability to develop our skills. 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. He will also guide us to live with integrity so that were are not seduced to compromise our work ethic and standard of excellence. This all happens only when you yield to God and let His Holy Spirit work in you.

God given desires are deposited within us to eventually lead us toward things we truly enjoy doing. We may not initially see that, but it will show up for those that live yielded to walking in His ways and giving their best! 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 deposited within them because they’ve become lazy or because of their drive for money or glory, or because of impatience for what comes in time through faithfulness. I think most people intuitively 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, then good things will follow. As we read, ”… the hand of the diligent will make one rich.“

In everything we do, our motive for a diligent and high standard should be because of the desire to please God and bless people. We are to use our skills and abilities to glorify God. 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!

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) “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.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt 

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