A Thought For The Week Of November 3

"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them skilled workers and designers." (Exodus 35:35) Minute details and unfamiliar names are a part of reading the Old Testament. In Exodus 35:30-35, we read the story of Bezalel and Oholiab, and we get a lot of details. Perhaps we get lost in them and choose to turn away to something more exciting. But we have to remember a basic principle: all Scripture has something to teach us about God - although sometimes it isn't obvious and we have to look hard for it. And, of course, all Scripture teaches us something about ourselves and the human condition, although again sometimes we have to look hard to find the lesson. If you look hard at this passage, you find the message. Christians all too often look for "spiritual gifts" - the dramatic manifestations of the Holy Spirit that amaze us and sometimes confound us. I've heard Christians who are rather dismissive of what you might call everyday skills and abilities as if they're spiritually unimportant. But they're not. This passage shows that.  Bezalel and Oholiab were craftsmen of various kinds, and they were quite skilled craftsmen, as the passage shows with some detail. And this passage is clear that these skills and abilities came from God. The Lord filled Bezalel with "all kinds of skills," and the Lord gave both him and Oholiab "skill to do all kinds of work." All our skills and abilities come from God. Which also means that we should use them to serve God - and the best way of doing that today is to use them in some way for the benefit of others. A wonderful example of this principle today is the organization "Habitat for Humanity," where people can use their skills and abilities to assist others who need a helping hand. You see, it not just the signs and wonders that we associate with spiritual gifts that are important in living a life of faith. It's using the skills and gifts God has given us for the benefit of others, often quietly and without drawing attention to ourselves. What skills or abilities has God given you? Someone could benefit from them! Have a great week!