Gifts of God

“Moses then said to the Israelites: ‘Look, the Lord has appointed by name Bezalel son or Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He has filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every kind of craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every kind of artistic craft. He has also given both him and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.’” (Exodus 35:30-34 CSB)

How is it that some people are good at some aspect of life. Have you ever noticed this? Some people are just artistic. Many of them have never formally trained in art, but they seem to have an innate ability to create art. Some are very good at dealing with numbers and mathematics and such. Some folks have a way with words and are able to use words effectively in communications. Some are natural engineers and are always looking for better and easier ways to get tasks accomplished. So why is this? Is it because they somehow work harder than others?

The reality is found in what Moses had to say to the Israelites. The time came when Israel needed a formalized worship system that revolved around the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to be built according the pattern that God showed Moses. But who was to build it? God had placed specific abilities within two men – Bezalel and Oholiab – specifically for this task.

The fact is, God gifts people with the abilities that they have. All of us have been gifted by God in some way. This is not necessarily the same thing as what we call “spiritual gifts,” since those are spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to Christians for building up the church. Abilities, on the other hand, are gifts that God gives to all people. He gives everyone some ability.

So, what abilities has God given you? Are you good at mathematics, or art, or writing, or building, or ideas, or what? And whatever the abilities are that God has given you, are you using them in some way that brings glory and honor to God? That is, after all, the reason He gave them to you. You may certainly use your abilities in terms of your livelihood, but how are you also using them to bring honor to God? Something to think about today.

Father, We thank You for the various abilities You have given us, and we ask You to show us how we can use them to honor You. Amen.