“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers — all of them master craftsmen and designers.”   

Humans are created in the image of God. Artistic and musical abilities are special gifts given by our creator. Just as some people have a calling for ministry, gifted in qualities needed to do God’s will in teaching, preaching and evangelism, so some are gifted with artistic abilities in various ways. Decorations were part of the instruction of God as the people were to build a tabernacle and later a temple in the Old Testament. It wasn’t just to look nice, but included various kinds of symbolic meaning that pointed to the plan, will, and grandeur of the Lord.

Some instructions included in Exodus 26:36-37 "For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen — the work of an embroiderer. Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.”        

In the Exodus 31:1-11 The passage is clear that God fills people with different talents and abilities. He has people making dyes of different colors representing different things, crafting fruits and furnishings, even plates and articles for service in the temple. So, it stands to reason that if God gives gifts and abilities to people; some with musical abilities, others have mechanical capabilities, intellectual giftings, and teaching and some with artistic abilities, they are to use them for God’s glory.

When the veil of the temple was to be made, God gave some the talents. He described how it was to look - ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by craftsmen. Gods details also were detailed: 42 X 6 feet, with gold rings to hold them up.

We see recorded in the Bible how ornate the priests’ robes and breastplates were with various gems and jewels. There are other illustrations including dress clothing to be sewed and houses to be built, jewelry to be formed.

Lydia and Docus were a sellers of purple, designing fabric and making clothing for God’s glory. They were known for fine clothing and gave to those in need. Acts 9:36 …”she was always doing good and helping the poor.”

I am impressed with some decorations and art exhibited in churches.

Application:  Whatever your talents, gifts, abilities and training do it all for the glory of God.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for the beautiful gifts and abilities You pour into our lives.  May we use them always for Your Glory and never become prideful over them, but recognize that any gift is You at work in our life