I have a very special guest blogger this week. My daughter, Jessa Potts is an art major at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. She is reminding us that whatever gifts God has given us we are to use them to glorify him.

In the first chapter of Genesis, we read about the creation of the earth. One part of the creation story that I have always found amazing is that God created us in His image.  As a Christian art student, I believe humans were created to be creative beings.

Exodus 31 tells about Bezalel whom God gave artistic skills. God gave Bezalel the ability to make designs using gold, silver, and bronze, cut and set stones, to work in wood and more. God assigned Oholiab to assist Bezalel along with other skilled workers.  Not only did God give them artistic skills, but He also said that he filled them with his spirit, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

In Exodus 31: 7-10, God is speaking to Moses about what he commanded them to make with these gifts that he had given them. “The tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lamps and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand—and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”

He gave Bezalel and his helpers these artistic gifts to use in building and furnishing the tabernacle. In other words, he wanted them to use their gifts to glorify him.  Much of this may just seem like a long list, but each item they made were important and specific to how God commanded them to create. Art still functions as a method of expression to represent society and our lives today.  If God has given us an artistic gift, he wants us to use it to his glory.

Being creative doesn’t necessarily have to be painting a perfect picture, but I do believe we are created to create. There are many forms of art, writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, and countless others. There is no limit to creativity, so I challenge you to find your gift of creativity, and as God gives you the wisdom and knowledge use it for him.