“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 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 crafts… Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand…” (Exodus 31:3-5, 7-9 NIV)

This summer, I volunteered with a local Vacation Bible School (VBS) and the theme of the week was creativity. The kids learned that they are God’s masterpiece, created to do beautiful works to glorify Him (Eph. 2:10). They participated in artsy service projects (like painting canvases for the church and decorating wooden crosses for an assisted living community), learned how to play some instruments, and got to learn about drones and cars. By the end of the five days, the kids were able to grasp the reality that creativity comes in so many more forms than the stereotypical arts and crafts, and it can be used to glorify our Lord and Savior. 

While reading this week’s passage, it reminded me of just how many shapes and sizes creativity comes in, and of just how many purposes there are to creativity. The people made art with gold and silver, jewelry with stones, and so many other things. But they also made the Tabernacle, the original Temple and Holy place. These people were instructed to use their talents to make the Tabernacle not only functional and beautiful, but also structurally sound, secure, and God’s earthly “residence.” 

We all have different talents and skill sets; some of us would rather build a computer circuit board, while others of us would much prefer to paint a mural on a preschool wall. The best part of God’s invitation of creativity is that we get to work with and complement the skills that our brothers and sisters in Christ have.  No matter what our talents are, we can use them, in accordance with others’ abilities, to glorify God, and in doing so, we will be soaring! 

Next time you are ready to use your creative skills, remember all of the many ways you can glorify God, so you can soar! Maybe you will make a blanket for an orphaned child, or maybe you could build a ramp for a handicapped neighbor. Whatever it may be, never doubt your talents and subsequently your ability to glorify the Creator.