Walk of Life – Day 22 – February 2021 – Thoughts from the Book of Proverbs

The Blessing of Serving Kings

Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. Proverbs 22:29

I feel very proud when I see a believer in a very respectable position in society maintaining their integrity and living a righteous and just life. It is very special to serve before kings or before respectable persons in society. The Bible says you need to be skilled in your work. I love these verses from the Book of Daniel:

¹⁹ The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. ²⁰ In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1:19, 20

Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Daniel 2:48

Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel 6:3

Here was a Jewish slave in a pagan land and seeing his knowledge and skill, the king placed him above all the other citizens of the land. It is very easy to say but thinking of a slave being a ruler in a foreign land is definitely a very great thing. Skillfulness in work, the Lord places a lot of importance to skill. When you consider the building of the tabernacle, the Lord appointed skilled workers to take care of the work. I have seen many persons who are very casual about their studies or their work. They do not give it their 100%.

It is very important to be faithful in the work that you do, not necessarily spiritual, every secular work also needs to be done with utmost sincerity. Whatsoever you do, do it as to the Lord and not unto men. We get carried away very easily by people around us. If x, y, and z in my team do not work, take work very lightly, come late to office, we take it for granted that we can also be like them. Why work hard when everyone is anyways paid the same salary. You may be working for an earthly boss but remember you are always accountable to your heavenly father. Daniel had an excellent spirit. He was the best in whatever he did. He always got A grades, every single time. Joseph prospered in whatever he did because the Lord was with him.

Always remember, the Lord gives you the very best but He also expects you to put in your 100% in whatever you do. How does one get skillful in their work? Continuous learning is very essential in life. You never get too old to learn. Be it your secular work or the ministry, you need to be studying constantly. It is important to upgrade, be familiar with the trend, you cannot be outdated and expect to be the best. I mean in skills, in your skill set, in your knowledge not in terms of the latest dress or the latest mobile or car.

I feel very hurt when ministers just google messages and read them out. Many persons read out well-written prayers available on the internet. Learn the Word of God sincerely. “Study to show thyself approved unto God…rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” Today, the Bible is interpreted differently by different people. We find numerous versions and numerous interpretation of a single verse. We will know which is right only when we spend time in studying God’s Word. Unless you are rooted and grounded in the truth, you cannot share the Word with others. Whether a Sunday school teacher or a minister of the Word, be the best you can. Prepare carefully and sincerely on your knees understanding that the Lord is depending on you to share His heart with His people. if I am not the best listener to the voice of the Lord I will not be imparting His message…it will be another sermon not the voice of God.

Skill can only be learnt by careful practice, by spending time, by being sincere and putting in a lot of hard work. You do not become skilled overnight. Days and nights of sincere, dedicated learning alone will make you an expert in the field.

Dear friend, from now on whatever you do, strive to be the best. Give it your best shot always. Do not be passive or casual about anything…be passionate and committed. You will serve kings…and you will be pleasing the King of Kings!…truly a great blessing.