How can we apply the principle of God-given skills in our church today? The Foundation in Exodus 36:1 “Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skilled person in whom the LORD had placed wisdom and understanding to know how to perform all the work for the construction of the sanctuary, are to work according to everything that the LORD has commanded.” Recognizing God’s Gifting - Scripture states plainly that skill, wisdom, and understanding originate in the LORD (Exodus 31:3; James 1:17). - Every believer has received some manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). - God’s sovereign bestowal of abilities obligates us to treat those abilities as sacred trusts rather than personal achievements. Cultivating the Skills Within the Body - Provide clear avenues for skill discovery: gift-assessment workshops, mentoring, and hands-on involvement. - Pair experienced believers with newcomers—mirroring Paul’s instruction to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). - Offer training that refines both practical ability and biblical understanding, so labor and doctrine remain inseparable (Colossians 3:17). Coordinating Skills for Unified Ministry 1. Identify ministries that need specialized abilities—music, administration, teaching, craftsmanship, technology. 2. Match workers to roles based on gifting rather than mere availability (Romans 12:4-8). 3. Establish servant-hearted oversight, ensuring each ministry aligns with the church’s larger mission (1 Peter 4:10-11). 4. Communicate frequently so ministries interlock like the tabernacle’s components, displaying a single, God-glorifying design. Celebrating Diverse Contributions - Regularly testify of God’s work through individuals—public acknowledgments, testimonies, and visual displays. - Highlight that unseen tasks (maintenance, bookkeeping, intercession) earn equal commendation from the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:22-25). - Use corporate gatherings to read passages such as Ephesians 2:10, reinforcing that every good work was prepared beforehand by God. Guarding Against Skill-Based Pride - Remind the congregation that ability is received, not achieved (John 3:27). - Rotate responsibilities when possible, preventing territorial mind-sets. - Encourage private devotion and character checks so skill never outruns sanctification (Galatians 5:22-23). Encouraging the Next Generation - Invite youth to observe and assist skilled adults, modeling Exodus 35:34, where Bezalel and Oholiab were gifted to teach others. - Provide resources—tools, musical instruments, study materials—early, so developing believers can practice stewardship from the start. - Affirm their progress openly, reinforcing that God is already at work in them (Philippians 1:6). By treating every ability as a divine deposit, the church mirrors the craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab—building a dwelling place where God’s glory is displayed through the faithful use of God-given skills. |
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