The Gift of Craftsmanship/Artistry (3)
A gifted story: Bill was asked to whip up some
sort of container to hold nametags for members to wear on Sunday
morning. It had to be designed so that everybody could find their
tag easily-- perhaps a big box with a lot of compartments would
do the trick. Not in Bill's mind! You see, Bill has the gift of
craftsmanship. He immediately began to envision a piece of sculpted
furniture that would be both beautiful and functional. When he
produced the final product a few weeks later, everyone was stunned--
they had never imagined such a magnificent piece. Of course they
hadn't, because they didn't have Bill's gift!
Biblical references:
Exodus 31:1-11 - The Lord said to Moses, “I have chosen Bezalel,…and
I have filled him with my power. I have given him understanding, skill, and
ability for every kind of artistic work - for planning skillful designs and
working them in gold, silver, and bronze; for cutting jewels to be set; for
carving wood; and for every other kind of artistic work….”
Psalm 149:3a - Praise his name with dancing…
Definition and comment:
The gift of Craftsmanship and artistry: the special ability to forward God’s
kingdom through creative skills such as carpentry, drama, graphic arts, painting
and sculpting. This gift provides the believer with the skill of creating
artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration.
Although not specifically listed as a gift in the New Testament in the long
list that Paul provides, clearly God has gifted individuals with remarkable
craftsmanship and artistic skills from the earliest of recorded time. Old
testament references give vivid accounts of God’s distribution of giftedness
in these areas - whether for the building of temples or for use to glorify
God in praise.
There are really two aspects of this giftedness: inspiration and skill. A
person with this gift will probably have a “creative bent” and
enjoy innovating, designing, and making new things - this will seem quite
natural. But also the gift may manifest itself in fine skilled craftsmanship
that one might find in such areas as embroidery, furniture making, or cabinetry.
When these abilities and skills are directed toward forwarding God’s
cause, they fulfill their purpose as a spiritual gift.
Affirm that you have this gift; questions to ask yourself:
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Do you have significant artistic ability that
you would like to put into service for the Lord?
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Can you see how your artistic or craftsmanship
skills could be used to benefit the body of Christ?
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Are you aware that people have been blessed through
your creative or artistic ability?
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Are you characterized as a creative or artistic
person?
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Can you envision some specific projects that
you could undertake to use this gift for the kingdom of God?
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What specific artistic or craftsmanship abilities
has God given you?
Areas for study and personal growth:
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Artistic giftedness usually needs to be trained,
tamed and channeled. Thus you will want to find appropriate means
to do these things to bring the ability to full fruition. Classes
of instruction to help bring out the artistry from within should
be considered.
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Creativity for God requires listening to him
who gave you the gift. Inspiration from God is the best inspiration
of all, especially when you are engaged in bringing him glory.
Deepen your spirituality through prayer, and count on God to
set your imagination free.
-
Meditate on how God might use the gift through
you to affect the lives of other people and to build up his church.
Be as creative in looking for ways to serve as you will be in
carrying out your artistry once you have set upon it. Pray unceasingly
for God’s loving guidance as you exercise your skill.
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Read Exodus 31: 1 – 11 and 35: 30 – 36
to better understand the empowerment that God gives with his
gifts in order to fulfill his purposes. Seek out the writings
of other Christian artists to learn how they have developed channels
of inspiration from their Maker. Keep a journal of all ideas
that come to you in prayer.
General ways to use the gift of craftsmanship and artistry:
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On an informal level: offer assistance where
creativity is needed, and show others how natural it is to use
a creative perspective in most matters.
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Within the church: design liturgical banners,
assist with altar arrangements, aid in the beautification of
the church and grounds; help everyone understand the importance
of beauty and art in the glorification of God (see more specific
church service opportunities in the Booklet Channels for Using
the Gifts).
-
Within the wider community: do artistic work
as a volunteer; organize a religious art festival or religious
craft fair for the community.
For reflection:
As the Alpha and the Omega, God is the great Creator. This is
what he has done and continues to do in awesome ways throughout
the ages. God obviously loves to create. We know that God made
us in his own image, and thus we too like to create. For some,
however, he has given such a large measure of creative ability
that we recognize it as supernatural - a spiritual gift of craftsmanship
or artistry. How wonderful to have this gift because it is such
a clear reflection of God the Creator!
Creativity is an amazing phenomenon - often the creator does not know where
he is going in the act of creation. There is a germ of an idea, then a thought
to go here or there, and then a certain knowledge for a moment that a particular
touch is needed, a little detail attended to, and then perhaps a great flourish
in the right place. It could be art, design, dance, most anything - the creative
process is the same. Inspiration begins the project, and inspiration moves
it along. Sometimes the creator loves the final product so much that it must
be kept.
Performing creatively for God must be even more of an adventure. When a supernatural
gift is employed, the inspiration may come from God. But in the end the artist
dare not keep the final product because there is a certainty that the work
really belongs to God. It is for his glory; it is for his purpose to further
his kingdom, and so it must be released for the inspiration it will give
to others. If this was true for great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael,
and El Greco, it must still be true today for God’s banner-makers,
quilt-makers, and flower-arrangers in the Church as well as for those engaged
in the creation of religious works of art.
Unlike some of the other spiritual gifts, this is a gift which produces fruit
that can be readily and immediately seen. The results are tangible. It is
also a gift that focuses largely on praise for the Lord, and the act of praising
is always full of joy. You are blessed to have the gift of artistry or craftsmanship.
Rejoice!
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