Scripture:

“Then Moses told the people of Israel, ‘The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers. The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded.’ So Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and all the others who were specially gifted by the Lord and were eager to get to work.” Exodus 35:30-35; 36:1-2 (NLT)

Perspective:

God gave Moses instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, a place where God’s presence would dwell. The priests were the people who would work in the Tabernacle, but God specifically chose and equipped individuals to contribute to the construction phase. One man, Bezalel, was a master craftsman. He was not an individual who was serving in the Tabernacle in offering sacrifices, yet the skills and abilities God had given him did not disqualify him from serving God. God looked at all the people in Israel and their hearts for service. To construct the Tabernacle, they needed highly skilled individuals who had the capacity for the work. God saw Bezalel and his heart and appointed him in a position that he couldn’t have lobbied for on his own. Yet, he wasn’t the only one; there were others who had been equipped with special skills that were needed in the building process. If all the people had been called to be priests, there would have been pieces missing. God had gifted people with special skills, not just for their benefit but so they could honor Him with their gifts.

 

Our perspective on our gifts and abilities will influence our willingness to participate in what God has called us to do. What if Bezalel had told Moses that he just wasn’t good enough? Bezalel had an understanding of God’s unique gifting, and he didn’t undermine the resources and skills that God had given him, which Bezalel had intentionally developed. However, we can be quick to undermine the skills God has uniquely given us if it doesn’t fit within a prescribed framework. Our gifts and skills may place us behind a podium or pulpit, but those positions are not required to honor the Lord with our gifts. Bezel and Oholiab would have been highly respected within their communities for their skills, work ethic, and spirit of excellence. How we use our gifts and skills matters to God. It can be easy to compare what we don’t have to the gifting of other people. You may not be able to sing in the choir, but you have an exceptional gift of hospitality to love people to Jesus. You may not be able to lead a meeting, but you have an exceptional gift of graphic design. You may not be able to build sets for the church program, but you have an ability to teach others. There is room for you in the family of God. It is, then, part of our job to take our gifts and skills, develop them, and use them to honor the Lord. Be careful to not discredit what God has given you. As we find ways to honor God with our skills and abilities, we will find great delight in giving back to God what He has entrusted to us.

 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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