Exodus 38:23
“And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.”
One area in Christianity where there needs to be a revival is in the area of work. God gave Moses the guidelines on how to build the tabernacle, but it could not have been built unless someone worked. All the plans in the world mean nothing if someone doesn’t work to make them happen. It always comes back to work. You shouldn’t just be a worker, but you should be a smart worker. Many people work, but there are only a few who work smart. I believe God gives some characteristics in the verse above about some men who knew how to work smart.
The first way to work smart is to obey the LORD. It says about Bezaleel and Aholiab in verse 22, “…made all that the LORD commanded Moses.” Obedience always helps you to work smart. A person who obeys the LORD will be a person who works hard. I’ve seen people try to act spiritual who are lazy people, which only reveals their lack of character and their disobedience to God. Working smart entails obeying your Creator.
The second way to work smart is to do everything right. When you read about these men working, they did everything the way it was supposed to be done. Cutting corners to get a job done only causes you to have to come back and fix what you didn’t do right the first time. Working smart is doing it right the first time so that you never have to address the issue again.
The third way to work smart is to be the best at what you do. These men were the best at their jobs, and that is why the LORD used them. If you are not the best at what you do, learn how to do it better so you can be the best. Those who are the best at what they do will not only get projects done right and more quickly, which saves money, but they will also be the ones who are sought out for the better-paying jobs.
The fourth way to work smart is to be flexible. These men were able to work with each other. People who work smart understand it takes a team to get tasks accomplished. If you are not good at working with others, you need to work on your people skills so that you can work smarter. Always realize that others have something they can contribute to a job that can make the project better. If you work with others, you will find out what others can contribute.
The fifth way to work smart is to work hard. These men were not lazy men, but they obviously worked hard enough to be noticed. All the knowledge of a trade won’t do you any good if you don’t work hard. Be the hardest working person and you will never lack for a position.
The sixth way to work smart is to be a finisher. These men not only started the project, but they also finished it. Don’t be the type of person who never finishes what they start. Finishing is working smart because it will give confidence to those who want something done that you are capable of finishing a project if it is given to you.
One of the best ways to have a good Christian testimony on the job is to be known as a hard worker and a smart worker. You will give Christ a good name if you learn how to work smart, which will enable you to be a better witness to your fellow workers and to those for whom you work.