Everybody's Got Something to Offer

Exodus 35-36

I love this passage even though it does get to be repetitive at times. Blue, Purple and Crimson yarns! [Each of those colors was extremely difficult to dye well and the materials for each were quite rare]. What grabs me is the desire of God to be honored in the work of our hands. Spinners, weavers, carpenters, metal workers, tanners, oil pressers, incense makers, rope makers, miners and jewelers. The Artisan's skill and understanding is yet another gift from God.

As an artisan of sorts (painter, rigger, writer, administrator [yes, skill and understanding come into play there too], designer, teacher, cook) I am always gratified when I can use the gifts I have for the church. Art is one way that God speaks through us. Everyone can think of music, poetry, paintings or other works of art that have given you a little frisson or a passing glimpse into the divine.

When we speak of stewardship we often think only of tithing our monetary income. How can we tithe back our talents as well? What are your talents? Think the church doesn't need them? Think again. If we do the work of God in the world, what gifts are not useful? Whatever gifts God has given we can and should use to His glory and to build his church. Imagine if we all tithed back our talents?
" So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing; for what they had already brought was more than enough to do all the work."

Amen. Let it be so.

Paul Sannerud