In what ways can we use our skills to honor God like Nimrod? The Verse in Focus Genesis 10:9 — “He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, ‘Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.’ ” What We Learn from Nimrod’s Example • “Mighty” points to God-given strength and competence. • “Hunter” shows a specific skill honed through practice. • “Before the LORD” indicates open acknowledgment of God as witness and ultimate authority. • Scripture records the skill first, before later failures, reminding us that abilities themselves are gifts to be directed, not discarded. Discovering the Skills God Has Entrusted to Us • Natural talents (Psalm 139:14) • Learned abilities from study or trade (Proverbs 22:29) • Spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) • Opportunities arising from life experience (Esther 4:14 provides a parallel of timely placement) Submitting Our Abilities to the Lord • Dedicate every pursuit to His glory—1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Invite the Spirit’s filling and guidance—Exodus 31:3-5 shows Bezalel empowered “with skill, ability, and craftsmanship.” • Seek God’s purpose over personal promotion—Psalm 37:5 urges, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” Serving Others Through Skillful Work • Provide protection and provision as Nimrod supplied food and security. • Build and beautify, like Bezalel in the tabernacle, so that God’s presence is showcased. • Strengthen the body of Christ—1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Advance justice and mercy—Proverbs 31:8-9 calls skilled advocates to “defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Guarding Against Pride and Misuse • Remember Babel’s lesson: great gifts can be twisted by self-glory (Genesis 11:4). • Stay humble and accountable—James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Keep correcting course through Scripture and fellowship—Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Everyday Ways to Honor God with Our Skills • Craftsman: design with excellence, integrity, and beauty that points people to the Creator. • Athlete: compete honorably, acknowledge God publicly, mentor younger players. • Leader: wield influence to protect the vulnerable and model righteousness. • Parent or teacher: nurture the next generation’s gifts for kingdom impact. • Artist: reflect truth and goodness, avoiding works that celebrate sin. • Tech professional: create tools that serve, connect, and steward creation wisely. • Volunteer: offer organizational or physical abilities where the church or community lacks strength. Motivation that Lasts Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Living “Before the LORD” Today • Start projects with thankful acknowledgment of the Giver of skill. • Pause to celebrate milestones with worship, not self-exaltation. • Regularly ask, “Will this display the character of Jesus to those watching?” • Trust God to multiply faithful labor for His purposes far beyond our sight. As Nimrod’s prowess was evident “before the LORD,” so let every gift entrusted to us stand in open view of God—skill directed toward His glory, surrendered to His guidance, and leveraged for the good of His people. |
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