I’ve written here before about the importance of working empowered by the Holy Spirit because it ensures God’s presence in our work.
But in what ways can the Holy Spirit empower us in our work?
Fortunately, in entrusting the interior design of the temple to a couple of workers and then filling them with the Holy Spirit to complete the task, the Lord has provided us with some real insight on how the Holy Spirit can empower us in our work.
The account to which I am referring can be found in Exodus chapter 35:
30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 “And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 “He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 “He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.
1. To Know. The first thing Bezalel received from the Holy Spirit was the wisdom “in understanding and in knowledge.” (vv. 31-32). In other words the Holy Spirit brought him the ability to know how to design and work in precious metals, stones, wood carving, and other creative work. This may also be understand as God inspired insight. I had this experience a few months ago in the middle of big jury trial during the questioning of a witness called by the other side, who was very smart, very evasive, and refused to give a direct answer to our side’s questions. I was sitting there waiting my turn to question him and seeing my co-counsel making no headway with him, I prayed for help from the Holy Spirit. In an instant I saw in my mind’s eye a series of three questions with which to start my cross-examination. It’s hard to explain, but I just saw the questions all at once. It was not something I reasoned out. The result was amazing. I asked those three questions and he immediately became afraid to give me anything but a direct, honest answer after that. All the attorneys on our side came up to me afterward to comment on those three questions and how effective they had been.
2. To Perform. The other thing Bezalel received was the ability to perform the work of an engraver, designer, and embroiderer. (v. 33). Knowing is not always enough. We must also be able to perform our work well. The three cross-examination questions would not have been of any help to me if I did not have the skill to properly ask the questions and elicit the answers. The Holy Spirit does not just give us insight, but He helps us perform as well.
3. To Teach. The third thing the Holy Spirit can give us is the ability to teach others what the Holy Spirit has has enabled them to do. (v. 34). If, as I truly believe, and as I have written here, our work is a means by which King Jesus manages the planet and expands His kingdom, it is not enough that we do well in our jobs, we must teach others what the Lord has shown us about doing our jobs excellently, ethically, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
So, when you go back to work tomorrow, ask the Holy Spirit to help you know and perform, and to give you the ability to teach others the same. GS