Stone Speak A symposium on worship, arts and the prophetic,
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Consider the following verses.

So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded." – Exodus 36:1

Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it. – 1 Chronicles 15:22

Sing to him a new song;
       play skillfully, and shout for joy. – Psalm 33:3

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
       with skillful hands he led them. – Psalm 78:72

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. – 1 Corinthians 3:10

 I’d also like for you to consider the following statements.

1.    Skill is a Gift from God, for His Glory

None of us can claim credit for our abilities.

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? – 1 Corinthians 4:7

With this idea, consider that whatever abilities we have, they are not ours but rather God’s.  We are essentially the tools used by God to advance his kingdom.  There are many people in this world who have amazing gifts and abilities that twist them and use them for earthly gain, but for those who are aware of their relationship with Christ, so comes with the realization that all that we can do comes from the Father.

2.    Skill Must be Developed

Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD -they numbered 288. – 1 Chronicles 25:7

These were the gifted individuals who were ministering in the tabernacle.  This verse tells us that while there is a basic, anointed gift from God Almighty, that does not excuse someone from training and practice.  Look to any successful artist of any medium, and while there was an original seed of passion and talent that was planted within them, the gift had to be developed and nurtured.

3.    Skill Doesn’t Make Worship More Acceptable before God

God values skill, but he is not solely pleased by excellence.  No matter how good I am at the my means of worship, I still will always need the workings of the Savior to perfect my offerings of worship.

you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:5

God is not looking for something perfect, He’s looking for something broken.  We must recognize our weakness and put our faith in the work of Christ which has already finished.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
       a broken and contrite heart,
       O God, you will not despise.  – Psalm 51:17

4.    Skill which is Publicly Displayed Should Be Evaluated by Others

Imagine someone who is completely blind and deaf to the feedback of a the body they are leading or ministering to.  This individual would become insensitive to what speaks to those who they are leading.  It would be as if rather than a conduit through which God ministers, this individual is a pipe with the potential to carry water to the thirsty, but has a cap at the end, not really attuned with the need to those they are ministering to.  This applies to anyone who publicly displays artwork, publishes literature or performs music.  Sensitivity is essential.

Take a few moments and consider these points and these verses.  Share your thoughts on these principals.