SPIRITUAL SERVICE

I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you....  (Exodus 31:6b)

 

Are you a spiritual person?  Some equate it with emotion—the more I laugh or cry, the more spiritual I am.  Others associate it with volume—loud "Amens" or quiet contemplation.  Then some connect it with posture—kneeling down or raising hands.  While I am not opposed to any of that in its place—none of that makes a person spiritual.  Bezalel and Aholiab are examples of spiritual persons. 

 

THE SPIRITUAL SERVANT IS ENLISTED BY GOD (v.1-2).  Bezalel heard the call of God and responded to it.  We observe God’s sovereign choice.  It is God's decision, not our desire determining the nature of our service (see 1 Cor.12:18).  The spiritual person knows that whether they are in the spotlight or behind the scenes, there is no room for either conceit on one hand or covetousness on the other.  Either one will hinder our service and isn't spiritual.  Our enlistement also involves God’s specific calling.  God called Bezalel by name—now that's specific!  God calls us to salvation by name (John 10:1-4).  The same God who calls us to salvation, calls us to service.  He has a specific assignment. Have you heard God's call and responded to it?

THE SPIRITUAL SERVANT IS EQUIPPED BY GOD (v.3)  We note that God promises the power of the Holy Spirit to enable Bezalel to accomplish his assignment.  We can be sure that the work God has for us flows from His work in us.  Think about the definition of being Spirit-filled.  During the Old Testament era, the Spirit only filled select people for specific purposes for set periods.  In the New Testament age, every believer has the privilege of the Spirit's indwelling and the potential of His infilling.  Paul wrote, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit"  (Eph.5:18).  As being filled with liquor affects a person in a sinful way, so being filled with the Lord affects him or her in a needful way!  When someone is filled with liquor it controls them and impacts their thinking, vision, speech, walk, personality—so too when filled with the Spirit!  There is also the diversity in receiving spiritual gifts.  A special giftedness was imparted to Bezalel.  The gifts Moses had and those Aaron had and those Joshua had and those Bezalel had differed—but all were needed.  That's the way it is in the body of Christ.  Each of us need to discover, develop and deploy our spiritual gifts. 

THE SPIRITUAL SERVANT IS EMPLOYED BY GOD (v.4-11).  The spiritual person has not only been enlisted, and equipped, they are employed.  This brings the proof of our calling.  Bezalel was faithful and fruitful.  This leads to the performance of our duty.  God hasn't called us to be ornamental, but instrumental.  Spiritual gifts aren't for show, but for service.  They aren't given to puff up the Christian, but to build up the church!  During the reign of Oliver Cromwell in England, there was a shortage of silver for minting coins.  A search was made, and all they could find was in the churches' statues of the saints.  Cromwell said, "It's time we melted down the saints and put them into circulation." That needs to happen in the church.

The spiritual person is born of the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and using spiritual gifts.  Are all these attributes present in your life?