See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel … and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills–to make artistic designs … And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work.” [Exodus 35:30-35 NIV]
Photo by Bethany Carlson
I was reading the above scripture the other day and it struck me that these men would not have suddenly known how to work with gold, silver, bronze, gems, stone and wood. That kind of knowledge gets passed down over generations. My guess is they were working in those trades in Egypt under slavery. They were talented and brilliant at their craft, but they were forced to use their gifts to make false idols and decorate pagan temples.
Isn’t that much like us? Before we come to know Jesus and are set free by the acceptance of His death on the cross for us, we lived in slavery to sin. We used the gifts God has given us sometimes to glorify the enemy, but mostly to glorify ourselves. And that selfish ambition is probably the most insidious attitude of all.
Photo by http://www.sxc.hu/profile/clemmesen
But, now we are free from that bondage, we can use our gifts and talents to bring glory to the God of creation, no matter what those gifts are. We can use them as He intended them, to show people His beauty and draw them to Him. It is not about us, it is all about Him!
The amazing part is, no matter how we use our giftings, the point is they are given by God. Even if the knowledge gets passed down from someone else, the ability to put that knowledge into a beautiful creation comes from the Lord. Today, thank Him for the talents He has endowed you with, and use them to bring glory to Him.
Romancing The Rock 
Yes, Amen! Always fascinating to consider how the same gifts can be used for different purposes, either to uplift or corrupt. Yes, let’s use them to bring Him honour.
Absolutely Paula! All to the glory of God! 🙂
I have been contemplating God given talents today, Amanda. With the sudden death of Whitney Houston (one of the most amazing voices of our generation), I realised that God given talent can provide you with fame and fortune. But fame and fortune is not the source of happiness. Joy and peace comes from one source only – our Lord. He gave it to us, and He knows the only way it will bring us happiness. Your words are so true.
Thanks for stopping by Rose. When I see a life cut short like Whitney’s, I think how much a waste of God-given gifts it is. She could have affected so much for the Kingdom if she’d used them for His glory. So sad and a great loss.
Beautifully written, as always. I’ve noticed a theme in the many blogs I’ve visited today. ‘Bless those around you with what God’s given you.’ Timely encouragement and fitting for the world we live in, as we are too often lured into looking for our own gain and reward.
Blessings dear friend.
xx
And with that, we don’t have to try and be like anyone else, strive after their gifts. God has made us with unique gifts to bless others, we need to rest in that and use them to the best of our abilities for Him. Thanks Dotty. 🙂