Solomon wrote, ‘Skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone’ (v.29 MSG). But skilfulness is something we have to work at. Sometimes that means stretching ourselves and refusing to settle for ‘good enough’. It’s well worth watching someone who’s totally mastered their craft, whatever that might be. As you watch them at work, your respect for them increases. You might notice their attention to detail, their refusal to cut corners, their patience, dedication, and pride in their work. When they talk about what they’re doing, their love for the task pours out with every word. They’re inspiring. And we should try to capture that same attitude in our own work, and whenever we share our faith. When someone who’s passionate about God speaks, people listen. It’s very difficult to share our faith with people who have seen us being careless, reckless, or behaving with anything less than integrity.

The Bible says that whatever work we’re doing, ‘do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’ (Colossians 3:17 NIV). We should set the standard for excellence because we represent Christ. People should have confidence that we’ll give our best. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego started out as slaves in Babylon. But they ended up as the king’s closest advisers, because ‘Whenever the king asked for advice, he found their wisdom was ten times better than that of any of his other advisors’ (Daniel 1:20 CEV). A skilful worker can’t lose because even if they start at the bottom, God promises that their work will attract the attention of people who can promote and reward them (see Proverbs 22:29).

What Now?

Find a YouTube video of someone who’s a master at their craft. (You could pick any skill or activity that interests you, or even something you know nothing about!) Pay attention to their enthusiasm for their craft. Then thank God for blessing them with their skill, and ask Him to inspire you with similar levels of enthusiasm for the work and activities you do.