December 4, 2022

Passage Read: Exodus 35-38
Meditation Verse: 36:2

Thought

Moses called every skilled person who was willing to help. God gives skill to many, but the willingness to help comes from us, with perhaps some prompting by the Spirit. God gives skill, but we need to train and practice to refine and improve what God has given. But we also need to be willing to help out, to serve the Lord. The Lord does not like anyone giving to Him under compulsion, but from a willing heart, whether that means money or time or anything else. He is not willing to force anyone to give, but wants us to be willing to give. So He gives skill, but seeks those who are willing.

Application

God has no desire for me to serve grudgingly or under compulsion, but cheerfully and with a willing heart. However, if He gives a charge, if He commits a trust to me, I am expected to carry it out, whether willingly or simply discharging the trust. Like with children, once I have them, I am obligated to train them, and I can do so willingly, gladly, or else merely fulfilling my responsibility. Some things I have a choice in, and God desires for me to be willing rather than to serve grudgingly. But some things are responsibilities, and I must at least faithfully carry out that responsibility.