How can we identify and utilize our God-given skills for His glory today? Setting the scene The tabernacle project was massive. God did not ask Moses to handle every detail himself; instead, He empowered Bezalel, Oholiab, and “all the craftsmen.” Skills were not random accidents—they were deliberate gifts. Key verse: Exodus 31:6 “Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to work with him; and I have given all the skilled workers wisdom in their hearts to make everything I have commanded you.” What this tells us about God-given skills • God personally appoints people to specific work. • He gives both the ability and the inner wisdom (“wisdom in their hearts”) needed to finish the assignment. • Skills are entrusted for a purpose: completing what God commands. Recognizing the skills God has placed in us today 1. Look at how you naturally serve. • Romans 12:6-8 lists gifts like teaching, encouraging, leading, showing mercy—everyday actions that keep cropping up in your life. 2. Notice what others affirm. • Proverbs 27:2 encourages letting another praise you; when godly people repeat the same observation, pay attention. 3. Evaluate what energizes you when it benefits others. • 1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another…” Joy that flows when serving is often a clue. 4. Consider past fruitfulness. • John 15:8 “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.” Results that last and bless usually trace back to a Spirit-given aptitude. Practical steps to hone and use your skills for God’s glory • Dedicate them. Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Verbally offer your talent to Him. • Develop them. Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” Take courses, practice, seek mentoring; excellence honors the Giver. • Deploy them in the local church and beyond. 1 Corinthians 12 pictures the body needing every part. Ask leadership where needs align with your abilities. • Diversify usage. Bezalel crafted gold, wood, and fabric—let your skill bless family, work, community, and mission efforts. • Depend on the Spirit daily. Exodus 31:3 “I have filled him with the Spirit of God…” Skill alone can impress; Spirit-filled skill transforms. Safeguards against misusing our abilities • Guard against pride. 1 Corinthians 4:7—“What do you have that you did not receive?” Recognition belongs to God. • Refuse comparison. John 21:22—“What is that to you? You follow Me.” Each assignment is unique. • Keep Sabbath rhythms. Immediately after gifting the craftsmen, God re-stated the Sabbath (Exodus 31:13). Rest reminds us the work is His, not ours. New Testament echoes • Ephesians 2:10—We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance.” • 1 Peter 4:11—“If anyone serves, he should do so with the strength God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” • Romans 11:36—“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever.” Everyday snapshots • A retiree with carpentry skills repairs a single mom’s home—mirroring Oholiab’s service. • A software developer writes free code for Bible-translation teams—digital craftsmanship for kingdom spread. • A teenager gifted in music leads worship at youth group, learning excellence and humility simultaneously. God still gifts, appoints, and empowers. Discover the craft He has placed in your hands, steward it diligently, and watch Him weave your skill into His larger masterpiece. |
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