Creativity in Action
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
30 Moses said to the people of Israel: The has chosen Bezalel of the Judah tribe. 31 Not only has the filled him with his Spirit, but he has given him wisdom and made him a skilled craftsman who can create objects of art with gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood. 32 33 34 The is urging him and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan to teach others. 35 And he has given them all kinds of artistic skills, including the ability to design and embroider with blue, purple, and red wool and to weave fine linen. 1 The has given to Bezalel, Oholiab, and others the skills needed for building a place of worship, and they will follow the 's instructions. 2 Then Moses brought together these workers who were eager to work, 3 and he gave them the gifts that the people of Israel had donated for building the place of worship. In fact, so much was being given each morning, 4 that finally everyone stopped working 5 and said, “Moses, there is already more than we need for what the has assigned us to do.” 6 So Moses sent word for the people to stop giving, and they did. 7 But there was already more than enough to do what needed to be done.
Exodus 35:30-36:7
Memory Verse
Genesis 1:27
27 So God created humans to be like himself; he made men and women.
Did you know you’re creative? You can be creative by doing something artistic, like drawing, writing, or dancing. You may use your creativity to find the perfect material for a science experiment or plan a party for your friend. Creativity helps you identify problems and use your imagination to find solutions; it helps you think outside of the box to make something wonderful!
When God wanted his people to build a special place of worship, he helped Moses think outside of the box to solve problems. Moses knew they needed to build the Tabernacle, and God provided just the right craftspeople with just the right gifts to help out. God also gave men named Bezalel and Oholiab wisdom and artistic gifts. They were such great artists that they were able to teach others with their skills. People gave gifts to help build the place of worship, and they had more than enough.
The Israelites had a couple of challenges, though. First of all, they were in the middle of a desert, which was a difficult place to find supplies. They had to make everything needed for the sacred tent, the worship services, and the special clothes the priests would wear. Everything had to be beautiful and decorated, but it also had to last a long time. After all, this special place of worship was for God, so each and every part of the Tabernacle had to be the best it could be. Also, they needed all the items to be portable for the journey to the Promised Land. While they built their tabernacle and all of its special items, they kept this in mind. With teamwork and creativity, they were able to make a beautiful, useful tabernacle where they could worship God together.
God—who created everything—gave all of us the beautiful gift of creativity. The best thing you can do with that gift is to use it. You might create beauty that lasts a short time, like a chalk drawing, or a long time, like a clay pot. You might make things that are useful, like a tree fort, or create something to help others, like a step stool for your little sister. You might share songs and stories that can be enjoyed again and again. Just like God helped the Israelites do creative things to worship him, you’ll see God help you do wonderful, creative things each and every day!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you that you made me in your image; you have given me a creative mind and a loving heart. Please teach me to appreciate the wonderful things you made and help me to help others with my creativity. Amen.Related Resources
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.