He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work
as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue,
purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen,
and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.
Exodus 35:35
This passage in Exodus addresses the construction of the Tabernacle. While we may never be called to erect a religious (or even secular) structure, there are some work principles to be gleaned from God’s instructions for Moses and the people. As I share some reflections on work, perhaps you will think of others to add to my list, so I invite you to share your own thoughts in a comment.
- Every gift, talent, and aptitude we each are given comes from God. Your natural ability may be to write, create, decipher, calculate, sew, organize, cook, garden, manage, program, hunt, sing, fish, trade, speak, or teach. But whatever it is, the ability comes from God Almighty. He created you, and He poured gifts and talents into you.
- God empowers people with “skill to do all kinds of work.” Each person has a unique skill set. God did not mass produce robots to populate the earth, but image-bearers – unique human beings created in His image to do His work.
- The skills of those we admire and enjoy – even those who are not believers – should prompt us to worship the God who not only thought up all those amazing gifts, but had the power to create them from nothing and instill them into humans. As we behold and admire the gifts of our friends, family, and fellow humans, it should prompt us to worship our great God. He is both a creative genius and a powerful creator. We can see God in the brilliant mind of Einstein, as we behold the masterpiece of Michelangelo, listen to the work of Mozart, and read the work of Tolkien. Even tall skyscrapers that stand erect, space modules that carry humans to the moon, automobiles, telephones, computers – every modern invention bears testimony to the ingenuity, intelligence, and creativity of those who have done the work … men and women who were first created by God.
- We certainly see and worship God in those who were equipped by Him and followed Him in obedience. From the Bible: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, David, and Paul. From history: St. Augustine, George Washington, Amy Carmichael, William Carey, C.S. Lewis, and Chuck Colson. Great theologians such as Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, and Timothy Keller. You can add those names of your mentors and teachers who have been equipped to influence you on a personal level. We can celebrate the blessings all those folks have brought into our lives – comfort, beauty, knowledge, freedom,wisdom, and even entertainment.
- We are gifted “to do.” As we steward the gifts God has given us, we honor Him. We bring glory to Him, and satisfaction to our own lives.
How has God gifted YOU, and how are you stewarding those gifts for His glory?
In this week’s devotional video, Laura challenges us to say “YES!” when God calls us to do things that we believe are beyond us! Please read and reflect on Exodus 35:35 and then listen to this week’s words of encouragement.
It’s not too late to join us for the remainder of April, as we read, write, and reflect on verses about WORK. Visit our Downloads page today for your free copy of our Write the WORD bookmark, optional S.O.A.P. Bible study pages, and other resources to help you balance a busy life with a heart for God.
