As a knitter and a crocheter I am extremely familiar with Proverbs 31 and the verses that deal with the woman of the house working with fine wools etc.

Recently though I’ve been pondering the work that went into the temple and the temple curtains and garments etc. These were craftsman and woman that used their craft to minister. So I thought I’d share my thoughts.

For some of us, our crafting is just natural talent given to us by God, but for others it can be a spiritual gift.

Exodus 28:3
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me.

Exodus 31:3-5
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, 5 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship.

The literal meaning of crafting/craftsmanship is to craft, design, or build.

The gift of Crafting is the divine enablement to creatively design and/or construct items to be used for ministry.

People with this gift work with wood, cloth, paints, metal, glass and other raw materials.
They make things which increase the effectiveness of others’ ministries.
The enjoy serving with their hands to meet tangible needs.
They design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use.
They work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands.

They are creative, designers, handy, resourceful, practical, behind-the-scenes, and helpful

There are some cautions for people with these gifts.
They could fail to see that their gift as significant and one that makes a spiritual contribution to the body.
They should remember that the things they produce are just a means to the end and not the end itself

Here are some other scriptures: Ex. 31:3, 35:31-35, Acts 9:36-39, 2 Kings 22:5-6

Be blessed!
-Kath