In Exodus 36 How Can We Identify And Use Our Own Skills And Talents For The Service Of God?
Discovering and Using Our God-Given Skills: Lessons from Exodus 36
Exodus 36 provides a remarkable account of how God’s people were called to use their skills and talents in constructing the Tabernacle—a central place of worship and God’s dwelling among the Israelites. This chapter not only details the craftsmanship involved but also gives us timeless principles on recognizing and employing our gifts for God’s service.
The Source of Our Skills: God’s Empowerment
The chapter begins by highlighting that the skills and wisdom of the artisans were not self-generated but were given by God:
And Bezalel and Oholiab shall work, and every wise-hearted man, in whom Jehovah hath put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Jehovah hath commanded. - Exodus 36:1 ASV
Here, the phrase “in whom Jehovah hath put wisdom and understanding” reminds us that all our abilities and talents are God-given. We are stewards, not owners, of our gifts (James 1:17). Recognizing this is the first step to using our skills for God’s glory.
Identifying Our Skills
Exodus 36 describes people offering their skills willingly for the Tabernacle’s construction. Some wove fine linen; others crafted wood or worked with precious metals. Their willingness and diversity of talents teach us important lessons:
- Prayerfully ask God to reveal your gifts: God delights to show us how He’s equipped us for service (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
- Examine your passions and abilities: What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? Often, our inclinations are clues to our God-given talents.
- Seek feedback from the body of Christ: Others can help affirm and identify our strengths (Proverbs 27:17).
Using Our Skills for God’s Service
The people in Exodus 36 put their abilities to work in practical, tangible ways. They didn’t keep their skills to themselves; they offered them freely for God’s purposes:
And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, wherewith to make it. And they brought yet unto him freewill-offerings every morning. - Exodus 36:3 ASV
Their example encourages us to:
- Offer our gifts willingly and generously: Our service should be an act of worship, not obligation (Colossians 3:23).
- Collaborate with others: The Tabernacle was a community project. God often calls us to work together, combining our gifts for a greater purpose (Romans 12:4-8).
- Serve in both seen and unseen roles: Some artisans worked on visible elements; others labored behind the scenes. Every role mattered (1 Corinthians 12:22).
The Ultimate Goal: God’s Glory and Christ’s Body
The Tabernacle pointed forward to Christ, who now dwells in His people. Today, we use our gifts not only in the church but also in daily life to honor God and build up the body of Christ:
As each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 4:10-11 ASV
Ultimately, our skills and talents are given so that “God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Whether we serve in visible leadership or quiet acts of kindness, our aim is to reflect the character and love of Christ in all we do.
Conclusion
Exodus 36 challenges us to recognize that our abilities are divine gifts, to discern them prayerfully, and to use them willingly and joyfully for the building up of God’s people and the display of His glory. Each person has a valuable role to play in God’s work.