The pecking-order trap

November 19, 2007

By Gary Rogers

It is easy to fall into the trap of evaluating others. We tend to rate people according to their abilities, knowledge, accomplishments or gifts. Traits we hold in high regard lead us to give higher marks. When people come up short or lack these traits or abilities, we view them as having less worth. Inevitably, we also exaggerate our own importance.

“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’ ” (Exodus 31:1-3, NIV).

“Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you” (Exodus 31:6).

Had we lived in Moses’ day, we might be tempted to look at Bezalel and Oholiab as common laborers. In God’s evaluation they were skilled craftsmen. It is important to note their skill, ability, knowledge and craft came from the Spirit of God. God evaluates masons, carpenters, mechanics, cooks and farmers the same way He evaluates doctors, lawyers, CEOs, prime ministers and presidents — everyone is equally important in His sight.

God gives each of us amazing gifts. Anyone is a genius if the topic is right. Don’t talk to a mechanic about the right way to have a tooth filled, and don’t talk to a dentist about that knocking sound coming from under the hood.

Bezalel and Oholiab would be overlooked in some circles and even rejected in others. But they were important and needed for God’s purpose. The same holds true today. We are needed! It doesn’t matter what our ability is. It doesn’t matter what our level of education is. It doesn’t matter if we receive little or no acclaim.

In God’s evaluation we are important; He wants to use the skills He has entrusted in us to touch lives for Him.

Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.