Your Gifts And Talents Are Planned And Specific

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 'See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.'" Exodus 31:1-5 The setting: The Lord is revealing to Moses all the detailed instructions involved in setting up the tabernacle. When he gets to the specifications concerning the implements to be used, the details he gives are very complex, very intricate. He singles out Bezalel, saying that he has filled him with the Holy Spirit, and has endowed him with wisdom, understanding and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. In calling Bezalel by name, God makes it clear that not just anyone would be able to do this work, but only the one he specifies and in whom he has placed the skill to handle its complexity. This is a picture of the Body of Christ. Every member of the Body of Christ is gifted. But it is important to remember that gifting is specific, so that only the one gifted with a certain gift can operate in that particular function. Expectations... This is where trouble brews. A believer looks at another who is operating well in his own gift, and he thinks that he/she "should" be doing that too. But how can he, if he is not equipped to? No, a believer is not to be judged by what he cannot do, and that should put an end to all criticism in this area. "And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; ...God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO SCHISM IN THE BODY..." 1 Corinthians 12:21-25 If you're a foot, you cannot be an ear. If you're an eye, you cannot be a hand. Let no one judge you for not meeting their unreasonable expectations of you, as long as you ARE operating in the gifts you do have. The Scriptures admonish us to love one another, and that means to love the ones who are not meeting YOUR expectations. No one can walk your walk, they're not equipped to. Nor can you walk theirs. Therefore, we are called to have respect to each one's calling regardless what it is, even if we consider another's calling "less honorable." We are working together for a common goal, and each one has a part to play. This is how the Body of Christ works, each one playing his particular part. Just as important as it is to honor each one's calling, it is equally important that you play your part. If not, you are robbing the Body of Christ of the critical role you play. Never think your gifts are inferior, there is no "inferior" gifting from God. Seek the Lord for direction so that you may operate effectively in the role you ARE CALLED to play. And then play it!