How can we encourage others to use their skills as seen in Exodus 35:33? An Inspiring Picture in Exodus 35:33 “ …to cut and set stones, to carve wood, and to execute every kind of artistic craftsmanship.” • The verse sits in a passage describing Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-filled artisans tasked with beautifying the tabernacle. • Their work is portrayed as both practical and holy; every chisel stroke becomes an act of obedience to God’s detailed instructions (Exodus 35:31-32). Recognizing God as the Giver of Skills • “He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Exodus 35:31) • Since the Lord actively “fills” people with abilities, we can confidently affirm that every legitimate skill—whether artistic, mechanical, administrative, or relational—carries divine purpose. • 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reminds us that gifts have one Source yet many expressions; honoring that Source honors the Giver. Seeing Skills as Worship • The tabernacle artisans were not decorating for decoration’s sake; they were facilitating corporate worship (Exodus 36-40). • Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • Romans 12:1 frames every bodily activity as a “living sacrifice.” When believers link skill with service, ordinary tasks become offerings on God’s altar. Practical Ways to Spur One Another On • Speak Scripture over people’s abilities—read Exodus 35 aloud and call out parallels you see in them. • Publicly acknowledge workmanship: display art, celebrate craftsmanship, share testimonies of how a skill met a need. • Provide tangible opportunities: ministry teams, outreach projects, facility upkeep, children’s lessons, digital media, mercy ministries. • Pair novices with seasoned mentors, just as Oholiab assisted Bezalel (Exodus 35:34). • Invest in training funds, tools, and resources so gifts can develop instead of lie dormant. • Model wholehearted effort yourself; visible zeal is contagious (Hebrews 10:24). • Guard against comparison—encourage variety, ensuring every part is honored (1 Corinthians 12:22-26). Celebrating Diverse Gifts in the Body • 1 Peter 4:10: “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Ephesians 2:10 calls us “God’s workmanship,” created for “good works” prepared in advance; when the church affirms this truth, members feel released to step forward. • Diversity glorifies God’s creativity; unity channels those differences toward a single purpose—building up the dwelling place of God among His people (Ephesians 4:16). Concluding Encouragement Skills are not incidental; they are Spirit-given tools for kingdom construction. By naming those gifts, equipping them, and linking them to worship, we echo Exodus 35:33 and invite every believer to carve, polish, plan, teach, or serve to the glory of the One who endowed them. |
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