Willing

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Posted by Annette Burrell, February 28, 2024

“Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.” Exodus 36:2

In the process of building the tabernacle and all the work of constructing the sanctuary, Moses began identifying those with the right skills to do the work. God had given each of them certain skills to fulfill the work that needed to be done.

Don’t miss the last part of the verse, and who was willing to come and do the work.

Just as God gave the Israelites skills, he has equipped you and me with gifts and talents. We enjoy those talents in our everyday lives—at work, we may be a leader, at school, we may be a teacher, at home, we may be the cook. In our leisure time, we may excel at sports and play golf or pickleball. We may be artistic and enjoy painting or writing.

Why is it, we use our gifts and talents in our daily lives, but when it comes to serving in the church we sit back and let others do the work that God has equipped us to do? The statistic that I’ve heard is that 20 percent of members in a church serve in some capacity, while 80 percent merely attend on Sunday mornings.

Do you think that is why the 20 percent sometimes experience burnout? Have you ever had the thought, “She does not need to be teaching. She is so boring.”? Chances are she stepped in the role because there had been so many nos and someone knew this lady would say yes.

In the case of the Israelites, Moses asked “every” skilled person whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. I wonder...If everyone had been willing to serve, would there have been so much division?

Every Sunday at church, someone is doing double duty because those that have been given the ability aren’t willing to say yes.

We are all called to serve the LORD.

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

I used to think this verse was about acknowledging God as my LORD and Savior. And that every Sunday when we took our family to church we were serving the LORD. When I read that verse today, it took on a whole new meaning. 

First, Joshua says, “If serving the LORD seems undesirable to you . . .” Ouch! How would you feel if your spouse said you were undesirable? Maybe you’ve been there before and you know how that feels. Joshua goes on to say, “Choose for yourselves (it’s personal) this day whom you will serve.” He doesn’t say choose for your family where you go to church, although that is important and also biblical. But he says, choose today who you will serve. 

Serve is a verb. It’s an action word. It means, to perform duties or services for (another person or an organization).

Paul, one of the greatest apostles in the New Testament, who preached the gospel boldly proclaimed over and over in his writings to be a servant of Christ Jesus.

When we serve in the church, we are proclaiming the gospel message.

So, I ask you. What gifts and abilities do you have that could be used to grow the church or lead someone to Christ? Are you a storyteller, a decorator, a prayer warrior? Do you have the gift of hospitality, leadership, teaching, and encouragement? 

There is a place for you to serve. Are you willing? Say yes. Tell someone. Don’t wait to be asked. Be willing to serve the LORD.

Annette Burrell is an author, speaker, and singer/songwriter. Through Annette’s years of being a public servant, and her devotion to studying the Bible, God has equipped her to lead women into His presence, and share with them how they can grow in Christ. Her passion is learning, sharing about the Heavenly realms, and God’s plan of protection for us as believers.