The Blue-collar Tradesman, A Technician Subtype

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23

The Blue-collar Tradesman stands on the opposite side of the spectrum from the Analytical Master, but he fulfills a similar role. While not necessarily systematically minded, he is a mechanical master. He creates, fixes, and refines the tangible. His work and hobbies could be classic blue-collar occupations, working with machinery or construction, or maybe they are more novel set in the technology of today in software and hardware. 

A classic example is Brother Andrew, God’s Smuggler and, for a time, a single male missionary. During the height of the Cold War, he smuggled Bibles and Christian materials across the Iron Curtain. With his mechanical knowledge and the power of God, he travelled around in a VW Beetle, which should have been in a junkyard. In the face of the Soviets and the works of the Enemy, he applied his rudimentary blue-collar skills and his simple faith; and God showed him favor.

Overseas, things break. God’s work needs the Blue-collar Tradesman to fix the brokenness. He builds bridges and homes through the remote jungle villages of Papua New Guinea. He tinkers on the engine of a plane, which will carry Kingdom ambassadors into the far reaches of the world. Programmers discover people asking Gospel-hungry questions online. While he builds and crafts alongside locals, the Blue-collar Tradesman shares the Good News, literally and figuratively building the Kingdom of God.

Put your hand to the work. God has placed skill and glory into your hands. Now lend them to His Kingdom work!