Your Talent, God's Kingdom

READ: EXODUS 35:30–36:3; ROMANS 12:4-8; EPHESIANS 2:10

Do you ever feel unimportant, maybe a little invisible? Like you can’t make a difference? These feelings come from our enemy, Satan. If we feel small, he is doing his job well. But God encourages us to be led by what He says about us, not by how we feel. Our feelings aren’t always based on the truth, but His Word is truth. And, like good food, His Word gives us nourishment (Matthew 4:4; 1 Timothy 4:6).

Here’s one thing the Bible says about you: You are infinitely important to God. He loves you so much that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave for you—all so that you could be part of God’s kingdom. And, if you know Jesus, you can make a difference in the world because He has given you gifts and talents to use to glorify God and bless others. Do you have any hobbies, interests, or activities you take part in? Maybe sports, music, or art. Those are perfect examples, but there’s so much more!

In Exodus 35, the Holy Spirit filled a man named Bezalel with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts “to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts” (verse 32-33). The Bible goes on to say that God gave Bezalel and another craftsman named Oholiab the ability to teach others. There were also embroiderers and weavers and designers!

God filled many with these amazing talents. And for what purpose? At this point in time, it was for the construction of the sanctuary. The Bible goes on to say that these crafters built the tabernacle (the house of worship) and the Ark of the Covenant, and they also made curtains, priestly garments, and many other items used for worship.

So, what about you? Do you love to read, crochet, shoot archery, or build or fix things? How about cook? Whatever you are good at, that is a blessing from your heavenly Father. And if you know Jesus, His Holy Spirit helps you use all your talents to glorify God. • Carrie Cwynar

• Take another look at Exodus 35:30–36:3. Because God equipped these people, they were able to craft many important parts of the sanctuary—creating a visible and central place for the people to worship God together. How might God be inviting you to use the interests and abilities He has given you to bless your community and glorify God?

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12 (NIV)