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Using God’s gift Tto do his work

By Ernest Onuoha
28 August 2016   |   2:04 am
The building of the Tabernacle was principally God’s idea. He gave the specifications and ensured that it was done according to the patterns given to Moses.
Ernest Onuoha

Ernest Onuoha

“So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded”, (Exodus 36:1)

The building of the Tabernacle was principally God’s idea. He gave the specifications and ensured that it was done according to the patterns given to Moses. Because God was a God of Aesthetics, He, therefore, involved gifted and skilled men to help Him achieve His purposes. This now accounted for His choosing such talented persons as Bezalel and Oholiab. Fortunately, the Bible noted about these two chosen persons thus: “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship.

“And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan”, (Exodus 35:30-34). To God’s glory, these two persons applied themselves to God’s work entrusted unto them through Moses. In fact, they were honest and diligent too. However, it is possible they realised that from God: “every good gift and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning”, (James 1:17). Therefore, God being the source of their gift, they did not find it difficult to use it in the building of God’s Tabernacle. Impliedly, many who work for God today should have this mind set and be ready to go extra mile with Him.

Unfortunately, one begins to wonder at the attitude of some believers in God’s own work. Sometimes, there are some, who may demand money or desire to be begged or specially recognised before they can perform in things pertaining to God or His work. One may want to then ask: what is it that we have that we did not receive? Remember, God’s gifting in our lives is to be used for His glory.

Believers need to watch it, because the devil may induce one to the sin of pride or arrogance. In this state of life, it is likely for one to overestimates his abilities and possession. However, God blesses us according to our ability, or as He determines (Matt. 25:15; 1 Corinth. 12:11) and delights more, when we make ourselves available to Him for use. Yes, God is interested, when we are available for use. How many will be ready for Him for use today?

Indeed, the Church of God is in trouble. Hardly can you find those humble enough as to allow themselves to be used by God for His purpose. Sometimes, such people tend to forget that it is God that gives us gifts and that such should be ploughed back for the edification of God’s Church. Where this is not understood, we discover that naturally, some can be working for God and not with Him.

I think this is a tragedy, and every child of God should avoid it. Therefore, God is earnestly calling upon us today to borrow a leaf from Bezalel and Ohioliab, who used their abilities and skills to do God’s work. There is no doubt that, if men and women apply themselves judiciously by using their God given gifts (talents), what they will achieve in God’s household would be unquantifiable. To achieve this, we must deal with pride and selfishness, as well as ask the Holy Spirit to make us humble enough to apply our God given gifts to His work. I think no time is better than now to do so. Please, don’t delay!

Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org

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