Though a blacksmith may not be the ideal job for everyone within the area, to some individuals, it is a passion. Each generation continuing to pass down specific perfections within the craft that allowed them to be successful within their community. In hopes of gaining renown and welcoming customers back, each item created could be crafted with a symbol or family crest that allowed for customers to ensure that the quality was what they expected from this family name. Just as we now focus on logos for "quality items", customers knew within their area where to go for quality goods and what to expect from those generational craftsmen honing their skillset.
"Ping! Ping! Ping!" The metal clank continues to ring thru the community with each precise hit of the hammer. Though the heat being applied causes the metal to be able to form, a unique amount of effort is placed with each strike to cause the item to be more and more acceptable to its intent purpose. Just as the sweat beads grow to cool their body from overheating, they begin to drop towards the anvil, each one evaporating if they contact the glowing formation of what is being shaped.
17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3:17-19 KJV
While at first observation, we can see that the sweat cools our bodies before we overheat, but it is also a confirmation of what God has placed upon early creation for disobedience. While the heat may cause some to quickly exhaust within the environment of blacksmithing, others working within it have now become accustomed to challenge. Though the practice may be daunting to some, others have a passion for it that causes them to discipline themselves thru weapons, protection items, tools, or even nails.
Though generations perfected the tools we used during conflict or to build, that process of perfection and building a career within that community allowed a specific blacksmith to be chosen by leaders within the area. Just as the businesses in our modern-era world joyfully accept contracts to help other businesses and government entities, this era would have been no different. While the business may not have asked how the items were to be used, the passion and competence was placed specifically. Not only on the generations that continued the work, but also the initial start.
23and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 KJV
While it is easy in this world to think that our 'jobs' or positions do not impact the world, each of us has a specific passion that is placed just as this blacksmith discussed above. Initially, his intent may have been to build blades of renown or shields to defended heroic town figures. While the blacksmith may think that the items to defend or attack were the most important made, one of his smallest items to form had one of the most profound impacts on the world. The nails that went thru the hands and feet of Jesus.
While we never learn of the blacksmith that fashioned the nails, the nails were used to complete a monumental task. Though we have good intentions within our work or objectives within this world, if we do not confess their purpose for the God, even our work can be developed into idols fairly quickly. This idolatry causes those items to be struck down when placed against God, or sometimes used unknowingly for His good. Regardless of our knowing, our actions are working for something. If you have no objectives, your actions may be working against what you truly desire to support.
30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Mathew 12:30 KJV
Just as Jesus describes, our actions will either gather those to Christ or push them away. While we often find ourselves or our leaders not caring about those that fall away from God's purpose on our life, God does care. God often allows us to see those false idols as exactly what they are in hopes of bringing us towards Him. Though our work does require a lot of our time, that time does not have to pause our working for God.
Regardless of your occupation, it does not have to hinder your faith. Just as Jesus called tax collectors and was even called a winebibber himself, labels we try to identify with do not define our purpose. Though it may seem like suffering at first, once you share whatever it is you do with God, you are no longer working independently. Welcoming God into your life allows Him to gift you abundantly, which starts with His presence in your life.
If you are new to sharing and do not feel comfortable sharing scripture, or His word and testimonies of His works in your life, the joy that resides within believers is absolutely contagious. Allow those near you to know why.
14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:14-15 KJV
Please join me in prayer:
Heavenly Father, please allow us to see how we can continue Your ministry, even when we do not see how we benefit Your will within our purpose. Encourage and inspire us to encourage and inspire others to seek You, knowing that you are the source of true joy. Please continue to remind us with Your presence within this world that is has been defeated and that victory is ours to share with You. Embolden us to believe, even when it's difficult to discern the testimony from the trial. In Jesus name we pray, to Yahweh the Father, guided and comforted by the Holy Spirit. Amen!
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