Everyday Stars: Craftsmen
Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.
Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)
Jesus answered them, 'My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.'
John 5:17 (NKJV)
Everyday stars are excellent craftsmen. A craftsman is 'a man who practices a craft with great skill' (American Heritage Dictionary).
Such as? A shepherd, a soldier, a fisherman, a tentmaker, a physician, a handmaid, or a carpenter.
Like Abraham, David, Peter, Paul, Luke, Mary and Jesus. These stars didn’t seek power or prestige.
The result? Power and prestige sought them. 'Whoever humbles himself shall be exalted' (Matthew 23:12). 'And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the Voice of the Lord your God' (Deuteronomy 28:2).
Note from Carey: In college, I married my boyfriend, the smart son of a clerical worker. I left school and he became a doctor: a branded and degreed professional, At the same time, I worked in my mother’s talent business. She and I ‘crafted’ models and talent.
Some of our friends believed entertainment was frivolous, immoral or suspect. I suffered at the judgment of people who considered my job was less theirs.
Do other craftsmen face similar scoffs?… from those with big letters trailing their names, like CEO, JD, PhD, MD, CPA, DDS, MBA, PE or even DD (doctor of divinity).
Consider Jesus: He suffered positional ridicule from Jewish leaders. They denounced His lack of education and worldly status: 'Isn't this the Carpenter?' (Mark 6:3).
Similarly, a beggar Jesus healed got the boot when he spoke up to defend his wondrous Healer to Jewish leaders: ' 'Are you teaching us?' And they cast him out' (John 9:34). Therefore…
For every unnoticed working-class star, those who work with their hands and their hearts in often unheralded excellence, I remind you of God, Who DOES notice:
‘God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister' (Hebrews 6:10).
Puffed-up people may think craftsmen common, but they obviously don’t know Jesus. One day soon, they will!
Therefore, BEING A CRAFTSMAN is an attribute of everyday stars.
Everyday Stars: Craftsmen (Part 12)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.