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SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR ARTISTIC WORKS (EXODUS 31:1-11)

REFLECTION

“Skills and abilities for artistic works” is the theme for our reflection. A skill is having the ability to do something. An artistic work, on the other hand, is the use of skills, techniques, and imagination to produce original pieces that can take various forms, such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, performances, or mixed media works. We shall reflect on the fact that artisans have a ministry in the Mission of God hence those with skills and abilities must lead in the artistic works required in the house of God.

Beloved in the Lord, pastors and other church leaders are not the only ones relevant to the mission of God. Artisans also have a calling and a ministry in the mission of God. They are called to use their skills and abilities for artistic works that concern the physical structure of the place of worship and related articles for worship. It is for this reason the Lord said to Moses “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also, I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you” (Exodus 31:2-6) In other words, God has specifically made some people stewards of special talents and artistic work. As part of their stewardship responsibilities, they must serve God by using their time, knowledge and skills to support the church. Some congregants have been blessed with wealth and money, and others have been equipped with the ability and art of leadership, teaching, counselling and other manifestations of the gift of the Holy Spirit but they lack the technical skills to produce artistic works. Some of our artisans have also been equipped with other spiritual gifts. It is important to note that when it comes to church infrastructural projects and related matters, we must give honour or respect to those who possess the technical skills to lead.

It is unfortunate, that in some of our congregations, those with artistic skills and knowledge are undermined and not appreciated enough for their effort. We must understand that in the mission of God, they also have an important ministry. We must make good use of our artisans and engineers, and appreciate them by placing them in the appropriate committees or departs of the church to work. We must provide them with the necessary tools and materials for their work and also appreciate them in cash and kind. We don’t expect our artisans to spend their time and skills on chapel projects and go home empty-handed. On the other hand, our artisans must consider what they do as stewards and contributors to God’s mission and therefore must work with passion, discipline and dedication without overly becoming money-conscious. Artisans must desist from inflating the prices of building materials and transportation with the aim of profiting from church funds. We must work with the fear of God so that in the end, God we shall receive the glorious and eternal commendation, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21)

Again, we need to note that we must desist from jack-of-all-trades syndrome and learn to work with other artisans in the spirit of collaborative effort and efficiency. One person can not purport to be a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or tiler at the same time and seek to hoard all the work for himself or herself. There is power and efficiency in unity and collaborative efforts. God established the importance of working together for His mission and the common good of the church when He said “I have chosen Bezalel…and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab…to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:” (Exodus 31:2-6). We realised that Bezalel was the chairperson of the artisans and he was to be supported by Oholiab and others. This is evidence that God expects us to work together to fulfil His purpose. Let us not undermine one another as artisans but learn to respect one another’s skill, knowledge and trade even as we purposefully work together for the Lord and the growth and infrastructural development of the church.

In summary, we have learnt that artisans have a ministry in the Mission of God hence those with skills and abilities must lead in the artistic works required in the house of God. They must honoured and motivated to give their best for the growth or development of the church. Shalom.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the lives of our artisans and engineers. May you continue to bless them with good health, long life, wealth, knowledge and more skills for the development of the church. Amen.