Has God Given You a Gift?
Today God is raising up an army of spiritual warriors whose supernatural weapons are expressed through creativity, artistry, design, illustration, photography, music, video, and web development. Are you one of these warriors?
When Moses met with God on a fiery mountain, God revealed to him the pattern of things in heaven so that he could return to his people and lead them in dynamic, powerful worship.
Hebrews 8:5—They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain" (NIV).
Yet even though it was Moses who had seen into the heavenly realm and understood the instructions, God saw fit to give other people spiritual gifts of creativity, artistry, sculpture, metal-working, design, and assembly!
Exodus 31:1-6—Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you..." (NIV).
It was other people who carried out the plans; and I find it very interesting that we don't see Moses micromanaging the project! He wasn't saying, "Nope—that's not what I saw." Rather, he allowed God's creative gifts in the people to flesh out the Father's revealed will. From Exodus chapter 36 to 39, the craftsmen of Israel work hard; and it isn't until the very end of chapter 39 that Moses finally comes to inspect the work:
Exodus 39:42-43—The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them (NIV).
The result was "The Tabernacle," where God would regularly come to reveal His glorious, powerful, awesome presence. The Israelites' craftsmanship and artistry became acts of obedience, worship, and spiritual warfare for their whole nation!
God never stopped giving creative gifts to the Church. During the Rennaisance period in Europe, many of the artists and sculptors believed that it was their commission from God to bring beauty into the world. Some of the most beautiful architecture on earth has been developed by Christians who recognized the spiritual responsibility associated with their design. For that matter, consider how God has used the medium of music to bring glory to His name and transform hearts. Can He not do the same through other media?
Different people are moved in different ways, and it takes an army of Christians gifted with creativity to present the Gospel in a way that will reach everyone. Are you part of God's creative media army? Do you have skills, talents, and gifts that you want to use for Him?
This web site exists to train you in the spiritual side of design and creativity. If you want to work on your technical skills, then I've recommended some great books on the Educational Resources page. And if you want to be a spiritual warrior in the world of creativity, artistry, and design, then the articles on this site are for you!
Head over to the blog to start reading, and expect God to use you in powerful ways to present His Truth to people all over the world! Welcome to God's Media Army! Welcome to the world where spiritual warfare meets design!