Heart and Skill
When I was in England last month, the thought came to me, “Is this the best use of God’s resources — including my time and talent?” Admittedly, I jumped into that project more excited about the chance to visit the UK than anything else. Was it really necessary for me to fly all that way?
As I’ve reflected on that experience and other things lately, God has helped me realize that it’s not so much about my technical skills but my heart. The fact is that any competent video professional could have done as well, or even better, in recording the audio and video. But what Dorman, his family, and I were engaged is was above all a spiritual endeavor. God didn’t send me there as a videographer working for a ministry; He sent me there to be a missionary committed to fulfilling the Great Commission. The Holy Spirit, dwelling in my heart and giving me drive and passion, was more important than the training or talent I brought to that tiny, ancient church.
Exodus 31:1-6 is a passage often referred to in the context of technical and creative ministry.
1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts 4to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you…
The Bible is often very particular in the order it lists things, and the first thing Bezalel received was the Holy Spirit! God chose Bezalel because He know his heart. Bezalel wasn’t just a good craftsman — he was committed to God’s purposes. Even if there were technically superior craftsmen among the tribe of Israel, Bezalel was called because he had the heart for the task. What Bezalel created was as much a result of his heart as his hands.
I sometimes describe myself as a digital renaissance man: there’s many different areas in the realm of digital media and internet technologies that I have God has given me both an interest and resonable level of competence. I say that humbly, because I don’t merit it — and I think denying one’s talent is as much an afront to God as being prideful about it. Yet nothing can come of it that doesn’t first begin with the Holy Spirit in my heart.
