Men, we are all gifted by God differently for work and service. Work should be a blessing for our provision, our encouragement, our well-being and ultimately our purpose here on earth, but it should never become our identity.
We perform our work as unto the Lord. Therefore, our integrity in all that we do should be set at a high bar. When we are gifted and consequently excel in something (work, skill, sport, creativity, etc) acknowledging the Lord who gave us that ability is a valid and desirable response.
There is an interesting passage in Exodus where God called two men Bezalel and Oholiab and then blessed them with gifts beyond their original gifting.
Exodus 31:2-6. Bezalel and Oholiab.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him.
Exodus 35:34-35. Bezalel and Oholiab.
And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.
Sometimes we may be called to an activity or career where we may feel we lack the gifting or skills required. Can I suggest to you there is encouragement in these scriptures to lean on God and ask for more wisdom, more understanding, and more skills to fulfil our calling. God also equipped Bezalel and Oholiab with the ability to teach others. We are all called to mentor and encourage others so, ask God for the equipping necessary to do this task.
Some may wonder, is it wrong to ask God for extended gifting? I think the answer to this would depend on your motivation and purpose. I can think of many situations that this could be highly appropriate. You may be wanting to be a blessing in a situation of work or ministry opportunity. Your area of responsibility may include areas where you lack the full gifting, and an added gifting will provide protection and expansion. Maybe these passages are worthy of more reflection with the Lord for your situation.
Our God is a God of expansion and increase. He is a creator, and He has gifted us to be creative and to extend the borders of man’s knowledge and understanding.
Remember we are blessed to be a blessing. So, if your blessing increases so should your influence through that blessing. Consequently, blessing those around you more!
When we excel at something, are we acknowledging where that blessing came from? This simple acknowledgement helps ensure that pride doesn’t steal the credit from the gift giver.
Have you considered that if you find work a struggle or unjoyful, with the area you are working in, maybe it is outside the area of your gifting? You may do well to do an ability gifting questionnaire to see where your giftings align with career opportunities. [View gift tests here and here.] Fathers, this is an important part of our guidance for our children. We are called to train and guide them in their possible career directions according to how God has made them, not according to how you want to make them. Especially if that is to fulfil your own unfulfilled dreams or wants.
So, men be a blessing. Be an overcomer. Use your giftings to glorify God. Use your giftings to be a good provider. Pass on your knowledge and wisdom by training up your children and grandchildren well and mentor others as you can.
Blessings
Peter Goulter