By the time this posts on Monday morning, Chris and I will be somewhere over the Pacific, enroute to General Santos City, Philippines where we’ll lead a Global Advance conference for an expected group of 1,000 pastors & leaders starting Monday about 7pm (Chicago time).  We’ve never been there before, so I’m excited about a new opportunity.  But I’m just as excited over my latest “talking Bible” moment from my devotions last Wednesday:

I was reading in Exodus 35:30-33 about Bezalel, who sounds like a remarkable man – I mean, the Amplified Bible I’m using says the Lord called him by name and that he was filled with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship.

But then verse 34 got my attention: not only was Bezalel gifted additionally to teach, but so was a guy named Aholiab. In fact, verse 35 makes it sound like Aholiab was perhaps just as gifted as Bezalel.

But Bezalel gets all the press. As you read the next several chapters, it’s always Bezalel in the spotlight.  Bezalel is the Big Dog.  If Aholiab gets mentioned at all, it’s only in connection with Bezalel.  He is definitely relegated to “supporting cast”.

Got me thinking – how do I do when my role is to help someone else, rather than being ‘large & in charge’?

Do I recognize that a support role requires no less gifting, and is of no less importance than being the leader?  In fact, the support role is just as crucial to the overall success of the mission.  After all, Michael never won a championship until he was joined by Scottie and Horace and the boys.  And there’s even an Oscar category for “best supporting actor” every year!

Even those of us who lead have to sometimes submit our gifts to support others:

• Husbands, when was the last time you helped your wife accomplish her goals?
• Employers, when do you use your position or influence to help your employees get what they want?
• Ministry leaders, how are you at supporting those gifted & called folks who work with you?
• How’s my attitude & effort when I’m called on to support Bezalel?

Just thinkin’.

And to ALL of you Aholiab’s at CLC – thank you for using your gifts & your calling unselfishly to help make us the church we’re becoming!