Artistic Workmanship Is Inspired By God

Each one of us possesses a uniqueness about God in our gifts and talents. The world around us including its visible and invisible creation, is evidence of God's infinite wisdom. To explore the beauty of nature is like admiring a beautifully painted canvas. That is why nature inspires creativity.

True inspiration comes from God; He can fill us with insight and ability to execute our creativity. Although gifts are an inherent part of us, they should remain connected to the Source. Jesus said "I Am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

God desires to nurture our talents by filling us with wisdom, knowledge, skill and understanding. He can give us ideas and direction in our creativity when we sometimes feel unmotivated or have exhausted all concepts.

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Not so long ago, I read about two men in the Bible named Bezalel and Oholiab. The two were inspired by the Holy Spirit to create specific items in the house of the Lord in Exodus 35:30-35. God appointed them for the building of a tabernacle and to follow specific designs. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge of all types of skills. He was inspired to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, and could engage in various crafts. Oholiab too, was filled with skill to do all types of work as an engraver, designer, embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, and weaving.

Bezalel and Oholiab also had to impart their gifts to other creatives who were willing to learn a new skill. "And He has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others (Exodus 35:34)

I learned that the reason God gave specific designs for the tabernacle, was so that the artwork would truly represent Him, and not the ideas of man. Upon completing the tabernacle and the glory of the Lord occupied it, the holy objects were not to be seen by people again.

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I remember pursuing an interest in jewelry making about 7 years ago. It was a two year long season of waiting for God to answer my prayer, and while at it I got inspired to start creating jewelry. I spent much time learning from arts and crafts websites and emulating whatever sparked my interest. Eventually, I began making and selling pieces of jewelry. I made some for myself and even wore them to work. All though this short-lived small business had to come to a halt due to work and college demands, I still remember the freedom and joy it brought me.

Examples of creatives in scripture:

Jubal, Musician - Genesis 4:21

Tubal - Cain, Blacksmith - Genesis 4:22

David, Instrumentalist - 1 Samuel 16:23

Solomon, Writer - Proverbs & Ecclesiastes

Paul, Tent Maker - Acts 18:3

Joseph (Jesus' father), Carpenter - Matthew 13:55