Have You Been Recommended by God?

Wow, can you imagine getting a word-of-mouth referral from God Himself?  That would be one heck of a referral!

As Christian entrepreneurs, we should be dedicated to operating our businesses in such a manner that brings glory to God and follows the principles set forth in the Bible.  Yet I wonder, is this enough to merit a recommendation from God?

Imagine for a moment that the United States is embarking on the biggest, most expensive project in its history.  You receive a phone call from the white house tapping you as the person to lead the project.  As you start thinking to yourself, “There must be some mistake.”  The voice on the telephone says, “You have a pretty powerful friend.  You were recommended by God, Himself!”

Does getting such a recommendation sound too far fetched?  Well, this is exactly what God did for a man named Bezalel in Exodus 31:1-11.

Bezalel – This Man Knows His Bling

Little is known about Bezalel other than God tapped him personally to be the man that would oversee the production of Israel’s holy relics and the tabernacle.  Not only was this the largest building project in the history of the Israelites at that time, but it was one that defined them as a people.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. – Exodus 31:1-5 (NIV)

This is all that we know about Bezalel.  He is only mentioned a few more times in the Bible as the crafter of these items.  What can we learn from his life and God tapping him for the job?

Chosen By God – Our Vocational Calling

Isn’t it interesting that God did not tell Moses to go out and find the best craftsman?  Instead, He called out the name of the man for the job.

I believe that we are all called to a vocation.  It is largely through this vocation that God provides us with the resources necessary for us to carry out our part in His plans.  What plans?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 49:11

This verse has become very popular over the past few years thanks to Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life.  While written to the exiled Israelites in Babylon, we can claim this verse for our lives.

Okay, so God has a plan for us but where is the calling to a vocation?

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5

Jeremiah was called to his vocation even before he was born.  His particular calling happened to be full-time ministry, but I believe the same is true about us in our vocation as Christian entrepreneurs.  We are all set apart and called to our own vocations.

Filled with the Spirit of God

Often, when the Bible talks about being filled with the Spirit of God in the Old Testament it speaks more to knowledge than to a spiritual state.  I wonder though if God would have called Bezalel to such an important task if he was not also tuned in spiritually to God?

As Christian entrepreneurs, we should be filled with the Spirit of God in both ways.  Jesus said that we are to first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  If your focus is elsewhere do not expect a referral from God.

Filled with Skill

Paul talks in Romans 12:3 about making a sober self-assessment.  He goes on to talk about how we all have different callings.  The connection here is one that many Christians miss.  It is only when we truly look at ourselves to see with which gifts God has blessed us that we can discover His calling for our lives.

There is a reason that you have a knack for something.  All too often we abandon what we are really good at for something more lucrative or accepted.  To be a true Christian entrepreneur you must have the right skills and you must have a knack for it.

Filled With Ability

Ability comes in many different packages – the obvious abilities are physical and mental.  God will not call you to a vocation where you are not physically or mentally capable of being successful.

Ability can also be the freedom to be able to do something.  It is very hard to fulfill your vocation as a Christian entrepreneur if you are chained to debt, addiction, or other self-inflicted bonds.  There are many who are tied down to the wrong vocation because they lost their freedom.

Filled with Knowledge

We should thirst for knowledge in our called vocation.  It should come naturally to us to want to know more about it.  We should joy in this knowledge.  It’s a sign that you are following your called vocation.

This is the one area that we can directly increase ourselves.  Many have discovered though that there is a difference between knowing how to do something and actually being able to do it.  It is easy to become “book smart,” but this does not make you a Christian entrepreneur.

The Whole Package

I think it is pretty safe to say that had Moses been instructed to find the best man for the job that he would have picked Bezalel too.

Why do I say this?  Bezalel would have …

• been a man of good reputation being filled with the Spirit of God.
• had a knack for making just the right product that his customers loved.
• always been able to follow through on his commitments.
• been up-to-date on the latest techniques and processes.

In short, he would have been filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge.  The same should be said about us if we are truly Christian entrepreneurs.  When it is, don’t be surprised if God doesn’t chime in with a recommendation for you too.

Related posts:

1. Was Christ Forced into the Family Business?
2. Going Dutch – Moses, James Bond, and the Christian Entrepreneur
3. Will Christian Entrepreneurs Be Able to Squeeze Through?
4. How to Over-Spiritualize Everything
5. A Prayer for Christians in the Workplace