Title: Four Elements of Being a Blessed Saint
Exodus (105) The four elements of being a blessed saint (Ex 35:20-29)
< Practical offerings and dedication >
From Exodus 35, the scene of the construction of the tabernacle in earnest is recorded in relatively detail. First, Moses recommended offerings (verses 5-9). And he exhorted devotion (verses 10-19). In the text, the people who listened to Moses' counsel actually participated in the offering and devoted themselves to it.
Who made the offering? Those who made the offerings were “everyone whose heart was moved” and “everyone who volunteered” (verse 21). Also, both men and women participated in the offering (verse 22), and the chieftains of high rank also contributed jewelry (verse 27). In particular, the leadership of the leaders must have challenged the people's dedication. A blessed community is a community where leaders feel more socially responsible and show more dedication and example.
What offerings have you made? Volunteers brought all the materials needed to build the tabernacle and make the high priest's garments. The offerings were gold (verse 22), blue, purple, and scarlet thread and fine linen, goat's hair and red dyed skins of rams, sea otter skins (verse 23), silver, bronze, carved wood (verse 24), onyx and various precious stones (verse 24). 27), oil and spices (verse 28). Also, all women with sewing skills brought their own yarns or spun goat hair (verses 25-26). They gave their time and talents as well as supplies.
How did you give your offering? At that time, not only women but also men wore gold ornaments, and among the men and women who had a voluntary heart, they brought money to decorate their bodies (verse 22). Watching this scene reminds me of the gold gathering scene during the IMF. The overall atmosphere was that of spontaneous and joyful dedication. Also, their willingness to obey them was outstanding (verse 29). In fact, the root of the 'willingness to dedicate' is the 'willingness to obey'.
< Four elements of becoming a Blessed Saint >
Four elements are necessary to become a blessed saint. The first factor is work. Without work, a person cannot overcome the emptiness of existence. The joy, reward, and happiness of life are given through work. In particular, when you find a job that is right for you, the amount of joy, reward, and happiness increases. The biggest misfortune in life is not having a job, the bigger misfortune is not having a job, and the biggest misfortune is not being able to find a job that suits you for the rest of your life.
The second element is play. You have to learn not only to work, but also to play. A person who knows how to play is ultimately good at work. When playing, it is better to enjoy entertainment such as “travel” that expands the blank space of the mind rather than “games” that stimulate the desire to win. Just as “what kind of work are you looking for” is important, “what kind of entertainment are you looking for?” is just as important. Therefore, we must pray for the right work, but we must also pray for the right pastime.
The third element is love. In love, there is ‘love-like’ and there is ‘real love’. How do you make that distinction? It can be divided by “Is there ‘work and dedication’?” Love without toil and devotion is lust, not love. There is a secret to being the most mentally ill in the world. It is about continuing to spread concrete sharing with a missionary heart. Those who know how to share material things are blessed with not sharing their hearts and minds.
The fourth element is worship. In fact, worship is the most important thing for a stable life and mental health. No matter how dedicated your love is, it can be futile if there is no clear direction toward God's holy purpose. Therefore, a heart to worship is important, a heart to be thankful for everything, and a heart to obey the Word. He who does not act hazy in his relationship with God will never haggle his life.
Always set a clear direction for God and strive to give your body, material, talents, and time to the holy work with devotion. Above all, be willing to obey. With such dedication and obedience, prepare for tomorrow's blessings by harmoniously unfolding the four elements of a blessed life: work, play, love, and worship.