Are you a lover of Jesus? Then you, my dear friend, are an
artisan.
An artisan is skilled worker who produces a product by hand
with great care and much personal attention. There is a spirit of excellence
that flows from the work of an artisan. And a great pride to be found not only
in the finished product but also in the way it was formed. Artisans require
experienced hands, a great deal of painstaking devotion to menial tasks, and a
sharp and discerning eye. And above all, a love of the work that defines the
very lifestyle of the artisan.
So if we are artisans, what is our craft? Our craft is
discipleship. It is the work of sowing into one another. It is the art of
accountability. It is the living act of worship and humble service to
one-another and to our God. Our product is ourselves and each-other. We become
well acquainted with the tools of our trade, Faith, Hope, and Love.
Our craft is more beautiful than the mountains that have
been molded continuously over centuries by mother nature herself. It is of more
value than the finest gems that have been forged in the heart of our earth with
more heat and power than any man-made furnace has ever been able to reproduce.
Our craft is of more precious than the most rare and and unique piece of art
that human eyes have ever seen. Our work is more perfect than the Law that our
perfect God presented to us thousands of years ago. Our craft is the work of
grace. It is the the Gospel, the very power of God unto salvation.
We truly are a Kingdom of artisans. Our Father is the
Creator God, and our King is the Humble Carpenter. Our nature as Kingdom people
is that of artisans. We lay our hands to the work our Father has sent us to do.
And it is a beautiful work. One which produces a product that has been
purchased with the life of our King Jesus.
I believe that much of the Church realizes the importance of
the work that has been set before us, and there are many who have become very
well trained in the the methods, and tools of our trade. These are all great
things, and certainly praiseworthy. But there is a role that is often overlooked,
the role of the apprentice. In an Artisan Kingdom, we must be passing down our
art. We must be gathering to ourselves those who are new to the kingdom. If we
ourselves are saved, but not knowledgeable or experienced in the work we are
called to, we must seek out those who are experienced.
An apprentice is one who sits under an experienced artisan
to serve and learn. The apprentice should share the passion of the artisan,
have keen eyes, a humble and teachable attitude, and always be at the ready to
do as his mentor asks.
How often do we see this dynamic in the church today? How
many older men make themselves available to teach and sow into the young men of
our churches. How many men do we see taking younger men under their wings, and
allowing them to shadow them in their kingdom work? And how many young men do
we see taking advantage of these opportunities when they are presented. How
many new believers are encouraged begin serving in the church and learn first
hand how to do the work of the Kingdom?
Now let me ask you another question. How often did you see
these things during Jesus' ministry and the early church?
The disciples were not learned and experienced ministers,
but Jesus let them follow him and learn from him. He spent a tremendous amount
of one on one time with them. Sharing with them, and listening to their
questions. When it came to ministry work, He would first demonstrate how
something was done. Then he would delegate the work to them. And then he would
turn them loose. He watched them, and listened to their reports of what
happened. This is the process of discipleship.
It is the same process that we are called to submit to and
to carry out in the church even today.
Let us reflect on the words of Jesus:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of
the age."
We are a Kingdom of Artisans. Let us lay our hands to the
work we have been given. The work of Discipleship. And if anyone is young,
weak, or unsure, let him become an apprentice to one who is experienced. The
work of a Kingdom Artisan is more rewarding than any other career or project
that man has planned or achieved. Be encouraged.
God bless you and your work.
