How can we contribute our skills to support the church, like in Exodus 35? The Setting: Israel’s Collective Offering In Exodus 35, Moses invites everyone whose heart is stirred to supply materials and craftsmanship for the tabernacle. Verse 18 notes “the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, along with their ropes;”. Even these small items receive the same inspired mention as the golden furnishings. Not All Gifts Are Glamorous: The Humble Tent Pegs - Tent pegs held the entire structure steady; unseen yet indispensable. - God valued the metal-workers who forged them and the donors who supplied them. - Faithfulness in seemingly minor tasks is precious to the Lord (Luke 16:10). Identifying Your “Tent Peg” Skills Today - Administrative precision—forms, spreadsheets, budgeting. - Technical know-how—soundboards, livestream cameras, websites. - Manual trades—carpentry, electrical, plumbing, cleaning, landscaping. - Creative arts—writing, graphic design, photography, music composition. - Caring presence—hospital visits, meals, childcare, transportation. - Teaching clarity—Sunday school, small groups, discipleship courses. - Intercessory focus—dedicated prayer, crisis counseling, encouragement letters. Practical Ways to Offer Them - Proactively tell ministry leaders the exact skill and time you can give. - Pair up—combine complementary talents for greater impact. - Commit to reliability; nothing destabilizes ministry faster than inconsistency. - Invest materially in your area of service, just as Israel brought both skills and supplies (Exodus 35:29). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture - Romans 12:4-8 highlights varied gifts serving one body. - 1 Corinthians 12:22 affirms, “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” - 1 Peter 4:10 urges each believer to use whatever gift they have received “as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” - Colossians 3:17 reminds that every action can honor Christ. Steps to Start Serving This Week 1. Seek the Lord’s guidance for which ability to offer (James 1:5). 2. List concrete actions your skill allows—no matter how small. 3. Contact a ministry leader with one specific way you can help. 4. Set a start date and gather needed tools or supplies. 5. Serve joyfully, knowing that even “tent pegs” are recorded in Scripture because they matter to God. |
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