“Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has 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 artistic crafts. 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.” –Exodus 35:30-35

This is the first time the Bible literally records someone being filled with the Spirit of God. The purpose is not to prophesy or heal the sick but to make artistic designs, cut and set stones, work in wood, engage in artistic crafts, and teach others. Often, we separate our professional lives from our ministry, thinking that full-time pastors, missionaries, or evangelists are more “spiritual” than mere laymen who work in society. But God doesn’t think that way. Even from the first day He created Adam, He wanted us to work. Adam actually did not need to work to eat; he was placed in Eden, full of fruit-bearing trees. God provided all he needed, yet He still wanted him to work and care for what He created. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15). 

Remember that we are created according to God’s image. As God is always at work, Jesus is working (John 5:17), so are we. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). He wants us to do good works and, by doing so, glorify our Father. He wants us to love Him with our whole beings, including our works. The point is not what we do or what profession we have but how we see our work and how we work. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”.- Colossians 3:23-24

How do you see your work today? Do you see it as an opportunity to glorify God by serving with love and excellence or merely as a way to provide for your needs?