How can we identify and use our skills to glorify God today? Setting the Scene • 2 Chronicles 2:14: “He is trained to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, with purple and blue cloth, fine linen, and crimson. He is experienced in all kinds of engraving and can execute any design given him. He will work with your craftsmen and with those of my lord David your father.” • Hiram-abi’s diverse abilities were recognized, celebrated, and put to work on the temple—the very place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. • The verse reveals three key truths: God gives skills, those skills can be identified, and they are meant for His glory. Seeing Skill as God’s Gift • Exodus 31:3–5 – Bezalel is “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship.” • James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” • Romans 11:36 – “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” Takeaway: Every talent—artistic, technical, relational, organizational—originates in God’s creative generosity. Identifying the Skills God Has Placed in You 1. Pay attention to what comes naturally • Psalm 139:14 – you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” • Note recurring compliments or successful moments. 2. Notice what energizes you • 1 Corinthians 12:6 – “There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.” • Joy can signal the Spirit’s leading. 3. Seek the body’s confirmation • Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Trusted believers can affirm God-given strengths. 4. Reflect on life experience • Genesis 50:20 – God weaves even hardship into purposeful equipping. 5. Pray for clarity • Colossians 1:9 – ask “to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom.” Developing Excellence for the Lord • 2 Chronicles 2 highlights skill refined enough to serve in Solomon’s grand project. • Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men.” Practical steps: – Training, practice, continuing education – Mentorship under skilled believers – Faithfulness in small tasks (Luke 16:10) Offering Your Skills in Worship • Romans 12:1 – present your bodies “as a living sacrifice.” • When the craftsman in 2 Chronicles 2 shaped gold or wove fabric, his craft itself became worship because it advanced God’s dwelling. Modern parallels: – Musicians leading congregational praise – Accountants ensuring church financial integrity – Programmers creating evangelistic apps – Parents cultivating a nurturing home Working Together in the Body of Christ • 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” • Ephesians 4:16 – every joint supplies what the whole needs, “as each part does its work.” • Hiram-abi “will work with your craftsmen”—no lone rangers; collaboration multiplies impact. Everyday Opportunities to Glorify God with Skills • Workplace integrity (Titus 2:10) • Hospitality and cooking (1 Peter 4:9–10) • Mechanical aptitude helping neighbors (Galatians 6:10) • Teaching and tutoring children (Deuteronomy 6:6–7) • Artistic creativity pointing people to beauty and order (Psalm 19:1) A Closing Encouragement Your abilities, whether dramatic or seemingly ordinary, have been hand-picked by the Creator. Discover them, hone them, and offer them back. Like Hiram-abi, you can leave a legacy that draws eyes upward to the glory of God. |
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