Building for the Kingdom

I enjoy working with wood. Over the years, I've done a broad range of carpentry, from framing to trim. Cabinet making is my area of expertise, and I have built literally hundreds of cabinets over the last 10 years. But there is nothing as enjoyable and rewarding for me than building church appointments. I guess it's natural, being a minister, in love with God and his church. It reminds me of the great artistry that went into the cathedrals of old: The paintings, the sculptures, the stained glass. The best artists in the world were commissioned to adorn these houses of worship. I know its a stretch, because I cannot begin to compare with the likes of Michelangelo, but I can't help seeing myself in that company. In my youth I might have rejected such extravagance as an unnecessary expenditure. After all, "God doesn't live in houses made by human hands." "Such money could have been used to help feed the poor..." I see things differently now. Not that I care less for the poor now than I did then. Its just that when the tools are in my hands, and the work is for use in God's sanctuary, it is no longer an expenditure, its an offering. What's more, it is a return of the gifts to the giver. It is God who has given me the gifts and skills that I have. What better way to honor Him and give him thanks, than to use those skills for his glory?
There is yet another mystery that unfolds. While I especially enjoy building such pieces, how are they different from the every day kitchens that I build? Not as much as you may think. What I have learned over the years, is that every piece of work, made for any number of mundane purposes is also an offering. The Apostle Paul taught us that we should work heartily at whatever we do, as serving the Lord. In other words, even the very mundane, everyday work, is an opportunity to make an offering, to serve God in our labors. It is then that we realize that it is not the "stuff" that is the offering, but it is ourselves. In offering ourselves as living sacrifices, we consecrate all that we do for his honor and glory. I cannot in good conscience, do my very best for God's sanctuary, and then mediocrity, for another customer, for whom Jesus died. Doing my highest and best, pursuing excellence, has become for me a way of life. This is not just a way of life for ministers such, it is the calling of every Christian, no matter what their vocation. What ever you do, in word or deed, do all for the Glory of God.