Ezra 2:69. “They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priest’s garments.” BY THEIR ABILITY. What really are we able to do? What are we able to give? Is there a measure that fits everybody no matter where they live? How is responsibility measured anyway? From where is the point we start? We need to remember this universal fact, “Man looks on the outward – God looks on the heart.”
Our calling in life is different from others based on several facts. Leaders are placed into their position when the Holy Spirit acts. Leadership has certain obligations attached that not everyone can meet. To step ahead of God’s people and lead them is not some simple feat.
The geographical location of one’s home has a certain kind of culture. If one is from Bethlehem and another from France, we have different cultural natures. But God expects each one to give to Him from the best of his ability. And He will use in the way that is best according its suitability.
There are those who are able to attend to the things of God fulltime. It is not that they are more important people, but in the course of life they did find – They had placed by God inside of them, a desire to reach out to others. So, God uses their ability to reach to sinners, and the saints to recover.
Others have talents given by genetics; others have gifts given by God, To join with the gifts of other believers to use in the service of the Lord. When these all are put together and are working right, there is a beauty to behold. The work of God goes forward; God is glorified and lost sheep are brought into the fold.
To rebuild what has been lost takes a lot of time and sometimes seems in vain. The removal of rubble to get to the foundation usually causes some pain.
When finally, we have reached the solid rock upon which the church is built We find it is sound and unchanging, though debris over it has spilt.
The ability God has given to each to use has to be attended to and be used. That ability can be a reason for condemnation if for some reason it is refused. The challenge of faith is linked with ability; one needs to go forward with God. Trusting Him to use what is yours out of appreciation for the Lord.
“O God of all grace: Thy people have been given much. May we all commit ourselves to use for Thy purpose and glory, what has been dispensed to us. May the needs that we are able to fill, truly be filled by us. Stir our hearts to express our gratitude to Thee in practical ways. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”