I’m the kind of person that would love to learn a new skill, if not for the time and energy involved. If I could buy a certain kind of pen to become an amazing writer, I would. If I could purchase a fancy camera to become a great photographer, I would. But unfortunately, getting good at something usually takes time … except when God gets involved!

Back to the Tabernacle

  • God calls out two men by name in Ex. 31:1-11. Bezalel and Oholiab were given special and sudden skill to create God’s tabernacle.
  • And when the construction began, we see them hard at work alongside the other Israelite workers (Ex. 35:30-36:7).
  • Notice this word “skill” — a Hebrew word used 7 times to describe technical ability. More commonly though, this word is translated 139 times as “wisdom.” Like, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” (Prov. 4:5-7).

Forward to the Church

  • And Paul seems to draw on this passage in Ephesians, when he pairs wisdom with being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:15-18). Only, instead of skillfully building God’s house out of gold, wood, and linen, Christians — even us today — are led by the Lord to build his house with our lives (Eph. 2:20-22). We expertly mold and shape our hearts, minds, and relationships into the masterpieces God directs us to create.
  • “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Col. 4:2-6).

Honing Your Skills

  • Ask God Like the Israelite craftspeople, like Solomon (1 Kings 3:9-12), the source of skill is the same for us today. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6).
  • Speak Clearly As you think about how Jesus spoke throughout his ministry, it’s clear that he was the master of conversation (Mark 11:27-33). He wants us to be thoughtful about what we say, making sure people are able to understand it. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
  • Be Gracious We’re not trying to “win” an argument or browbeat people into agreeing with us. We’re trying to win them to Christ and persuade them (2 Cor. 5:11). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16).

Conclusion

Could your words use sharpening? Are you effectively building up the house of God by speaking skillfully to others? Praise God that he’s left us with the pattern to follow, and given us the skill to accomplish it!