“Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for mounting, and to care wood for work in every craft. EXODUS 31:2-5 (CSB)

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Bezalel and Oholiab (verses 6 and following) were craftsmen, artisans equipped by God for specialized tasks. The kinds of work these men did is astounding to me. Those with a knack for disciplined craftsmanship impress me to no end. Tools never quite fit my hand nor worked with the precision my father, son, and son-in-law possess. 

My mind does not envision what they see as they begin a new task. I see piles of supplies and tools. They see a workshop table, an entryway bench with cubby holes for shoes and toys, a chess table, a belt with precise stitching, or a durable, soft, beautifully stitched Bible cover. 

What are your skills? There is something you do that comes easy to you that others simply cannot, or will not, do. I do not mind standing in front of crowds and speaking. Yet that is the number one fear of Americans. More people are afraid of public speaking than are afraid of snakes. Crazy.

God told Moses, “Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say,” (Exodus 4:12). That command and promise shape my thoughts as I prepare to speak. I ask our Father in heaven to place his thoughts in my mind and his words in my mouth. Sometimes other thoughts and words get mixed in. I usually have to apologize for those. 

One of the issues with gifts is that we compare them. Another issue is that we compete with them. What if we used them to complement one another instead?

I worked with a team for a couple of days last week who tell this tale well. The dozen men and women in the room bore unique signature talents and abilities. There was very little discernible competition. Instead, there was a deep appreciation for one another. They said several times in several ways, “We need each other.” 

Their complementary skills and abilities mesh well to empower them to accomplish more than any individual could ever hope to do. It was beautiful. Skills and abilities given by God work best in coordination with others. Most marriages demonstrate this truth. 

My bride and I see the world through different lenses. She is a bifocals kind of woman and I am a trifocals kind of guy. She sees what is and what will be by careful planning and execution. I see both of those along with what could be if . . . There is a whole lot of if’n in my thinking. Some call it daydreaming. I call it envisioning. 

The fact that I spend a lot of time on this third lens means I desperately need a life partner who focuses more on those other details. I would not have a place to stand and dream if she did not stand firm on the solid ground of present reality and future plans. We need each other. 

We need you. Whatever your unique gifting is brings value to others. Cultivate your gift. Hone your gift. Focus your gift in a manner that honors God and serves others. Use your gift in cooperation with others. This is how we build beautiful lives, families, and communities. This is how we bless the world.

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I will use my gifts in coordination with others to honor God and serve the world.

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Our Father, thank you for gifting us so individually. Thank you for the gifts of cooperation, collaboration, and coordination. Make us ever better at working together so that others may see how good you are and experience you for themselves. Amen.