In what ways can we be "craftsmen" to support God's work around us? Focus Verse “‘I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, to carve wood, and to execute every craft.’” (Exodus 31:3-5) What the Verse Shows Us • God Himself equips people with practical skills. • The Spirit’s filling is not limited to preaching or prophecy; it includes artistic and technical ability. • The purpose of these gifts is clearly tied to building God’s dwelling place among His people (the tabernacle). Connecting Threads Through Scripture • 1 Chronicles 28:21—David reminds Solomon that “every willing craftsman” is at his side for the temple work. • Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” Skill has kingdom impact. • 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve one another.” • Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Ways We Can Be Modern-Day Craftsmen for God • Hands-On Service – Construction, maintenance, landscaping in church facilities or community ministries. – Habitat-type projects that demonstrate Christ’s love through quality workmanship. • Creative Arts – Designing graphics, video, or stage elements that communicate the gospel clearly. – Writing music, crafting poetry, or producing drama that lifts hearts to worship. • Digital Craftsmanship – Coding ministry apps, maintaining church websites, managing livestreams. – Using social media skillfully to spread sound doctrine and encourage believers. • Practical Helps – Sewing quilts, knitting hats, or building furniture for missions and local outreach. – Cooking, baking, or preserving food with excellence to supply community needs. • Mentoring and Training – Apprenticing younger believers in trades, linking skill development to discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2). – Hosting workshops that blend biblical truth with vocational excellence. Practical Steps to Put Skill into Service 1. Identify the abilities God has already placed in your hands—make a simple inventory. 2. Offer those skills back to Him in prayerful availability. 3. Connect with church leadership to discover existing needs. 4. Collaborate with others; craftsmanship in Scripture is often a team effort (Exodus 35:34). 5. Pursue continuing excellence—take classes, read, practice—because God deserves our best. Cautions and Encouragements • Guard against pride; ability is a gift, not a personal trophy (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Remember that visible and behind-the-scenes crafts both matter (1 Corinthians 12:22-25). • Trust that no act of skillful service is wasted; it becomes “gold, silver, precious stones” in eternal terms (1 Corinthians 3:12-14). Takeaway When we approach our trades, arts, and technical abilities as Spirit-given tools for God’s glory, we become today’s Bezalels—craftsmen whose work makes His presence tangible in the world around us. |
    |