I’m always intrigued by the unique talents different people possess.  Some people display gifts for music, others excel in sports, some are eloquent speakers, others are fine cooks, and the list could go on and on.  I’m also convinced that God knew what He was doing when He gave people such unique gifts, and He did so with a reason and purpose!  Consider an often over-looked individual in the Bible named Bezalel as an example.

Exodus 35:31-33 describes Bezalel as a man filled “with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship.”  It was no accident that Bezalel was such a skilled craftsman; God had a special plan for his talents!  The following chapters of Exodus tell how Bezalel and other gifted artisans used their talents to fashion all of the elements needed for the tabernacle. In that day, the tabernacle was extremely important to the people of God, as it was not only the site of animal and grain sacrifices, but it also acted as the dwelling place of God.  To make the tabernacle complete, the craftsmen used their artistic skills to make the elements used in the structure such as the ark of the covenant, the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, the bronze laver, and even the priestly garments.

When they completed the work, Moses set all the elements in place inside the tabernacle, and something special happened.  “Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Ex. 40:34).  Such a manifestation of God’s glory must have been awesome, but we must not forget the work that preceded the glory. Notice that the elements had to be constructed and set in place before God’s glory appeared.  Just think.  If Bezalel had not used his skill to build the objects for the tabernacle, there would have been no place for God to meet with His people.

Bezalel’s story proves that in God’s work, no role is insignificant. That concept remains true today; every member of the body of Christ is tremendously important.  The unique talents, abilities, and desires God has placed within us are not there by accident; they are ordained by God to complete His plans and purposes!

So, what talents and abilities do you have to offer?  Whatever they are, don’t dismiss them as unimportant.  Remember that like Bezalel, your skills are crucial to the fulfillment of God’s plan.  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).