Hearts Moved

“So Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person in whose heart the Lord had placed wisdom, everyone whose heart moved him, to come to the work and do it.” (Exodus 36:2 CSB)

We have all heard singers in the secular world who have what must be an angelic quality to their voice, who have a way with music notes and words in song that have a truly pleasing sound. Yet, some of these have absolutely no place in their hearts for God or the things of God. In fact, in some cases it may be just the opposite, where they express hostility toward anything good or right and choose a way of loose living. They become the definition of “licentiousness,” which simply means “free license” to live any way they desire.

It is one thing to have a great ability. It is entirely another thing to actually use it the way God intended. What is the difference between one who turns an ability into a self-aggrandizing money-maker, and one who uses an ability to glorify God? We find the differences in two areas.

One is wisdom. Simply put, wisdom means knowing the right thing to do. We tend to believe that wisdom sometimes comes with age, but not necessarily. Wisdom, in fact, comes from God. James tells us in his letter that if anyone lacks wisdom, he or she should ask God to give wisdom. God is the Author of wisdom. Those who have wisdom from God know what is right. But that is not the same thing as doing what is right. That comes from the second area of difference.

The second area is heart. Heart refers to the will, the place where we feel and where we decide, the place where we hold our values. It is the heart that moves us to action. When we know the right thing to do, it is important then to do the right thing.

Moses called for Bezalel and Oholiab to begin work on the tabernacle. But they could not achieve all of it themselves. They needed help. So, Moses called for everyone who heart moved him to come and join in the work of building the tabernacle.

That is also the best solution for God’s church. In terms of building up the church of our Lord, many of us know the right thing to do, but it is those whose hearts are moved by the Lord who actually do the right thing and build up the church.

Lord, Show each of us today the right things You want us to do, and help us to allow Your Spirit to move our hearts to join in the work of building Your church. Amen.