In what ways can we cultivate God-given skills for community service? Built for Community: God’s Blueprint in Exodus 35:34 “He has also put into his heart the ability to teach others—both he and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan.” God not only gave Bezalel and Oholiab artistic talent; He planted a desire and capacity to pass those skills on. From this springboard, we learn how to nurture the abilities He entrusts to us so that our neighbors, churches, and cities flourish. Recognize the Source of Every Skill • Exodus 35:31 – “The LORD has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” • James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...” Seeing talent as Spirit-given keeps us grateful and ready to steward, not hoard, what we’ve received. Fan the Flame through Discipline • 2 Timothy 1:6 – “Fan into flame the gift of God...” Practical ways: – Set aside focused practice time; mastery doesn’t happen by accident. – Seek feedback from mature believers who can refine your craft. – Study—read, watch tutorials, attend workshops—remember Proverbs 22:29. Serve First, Showcase Second • Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Ask, “Where is there a need?” before asking, “Where can I shine?” Skills become bridges to people when service outranks self-promotion. Teach to Multiply Impact • Exodus 35:34 highlights the ability “to teach others.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me...entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Tips for cultivating a teaching heart: – Break tasks into simple, repeatable steps. – Model first, then let others try while you observe. – Celebrate students’ progress more than your own expertise. Work in Team Rhythm • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit...to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Community service thrives when: – Administrators organize, craftsmen build, encouragers cheer, givers resource. – Roles are honored equally; no gift is “second-class.” Stay Humble, Stay Dependent • 1 Peter 4:10-11 – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another...so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Guardrails: – Regular confession of pride; redirect compliments upward. – Sabbath rest—acknowledging that productivity is not lord; Christ is. Evaluate and Elevate Periodic questions to ask yourself and your team: – Is our skill development keeping pace with the needs around us? – Are we still pointing people to the Giver, not just the gifts? – Are we creating apprentices, or merely admirers? A Living Example Bezalel, Oholiab, and their trainees built the tabernacle—a dwelling place for God among His people. As we cultivate and share our abilities, we too help create spaces where the presence of God is experienced in tangible ways: meals cooked for the grieving, homes repaired for the elderly, lessons taught to eager youth, art that lifts weary hearts. The pattern remains: receive, refine, release—so the whole community encounters the goodness of the Lord. |
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