Using One's Gifts

I love to draw. I love to create. I love to spend hours lost in a scene that is completely erupting from someplace I can't even name that was created when I was created. I wonder what an evolutionist would say caused the human ability to draw...or even to want to draw? What survival benefit does drawing produce? I would posit that drawing may even reduce survival benefit. When I get caught up in my artwork, I often forget to eat. If breathing weren't automatic, I'd forget that too.

So why was the gift of artistic skill created? Why were any gifts of skill in any area created?

I was at the abortion mill yesterday, meeting with the wonderful people who provide the mobile ultrasound unit for pro-life purposes. We are hoping I have enough artistic skill to help them with the graphics for a big fund raising bash. I don't know if I have the skill, but I am willing to try. Anyway, I decided after the meeting to spend a second day at the mill, hoping to talk some mamas into saving their babies. At one point, the "security" man ( a vile young man who spews obscenities, plays music with offensive terms and themes) walked up to me. He listened to me calling out to a woman entering the mill, and then he made some disgusting remark.

"Young man," I said quietly, "You are young and healthy. You have your whole life before you. Are you using your talents in a way that makes you proud?"
"Yes," he said, "I'm going to hellllllllll!!!!!!" He laughed.
"Does that make you glad? All the choices you could make in life, and you choose this?"
"Helping women kill their babies!" he said gleefully, "I am a murderer!!!" He cackled.
"You know, God doesn't want you to go to hell. He created you for a wonderful purpose and longs for you to return to Him. He doesn't want any of us to waste the life He has given us. He gave us talents to use for His glory. Make the first right choice, and the next one will be easier, and if you choose enough right choices, one day you will become a righteous man."
He was silent and moved away. I didn't go into the full theology - no one is righteous except by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, repenting of our sin, believing in Him, and giving Him lordship of our lives. Lots of the counselors on the sidewalk have spoken with this young man at times. I was just adding a little to the discussion that I hope is swirling in his head.

In Exodus, God specifically calls Bezalel, fills him with God's Holy Spirit, and gives him artistic talent for a purpose. Better yet, God tells us He gives ALL men abiility for a purpose. And then, He tells us the purpose! I just love finding answers, don't you?

So, are you ready? Here is why God gave us artists the ability to produce art in His own words:
"That they may make all that I have commanded you."

Translation: God gave us talent to be used in fulfilling His commands and plans for us. We are to use all gifts, artistic or otherwise for His glory. The young man ushered women in to kill their babies, laughing and smiling. All of us sidewalk counselors cheered when a mama pulled out of the abortion mill and told us she had chosen to keep her baby.

How are you using your talents for God today?

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Exodus 31:2-14 

“See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: