Talent

 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship,
Exodus 35:31 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/exo.35.31.ESV

When we think of someone spiritual, maybe we think of someone who knows the Bible inside out or prays a lot. Maybe we think of whoever does a lot of talking at church. Our first though probably isn't of someone good at making things.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that this is the first time in the Bible that someone's described as full of the Holy Spirit. He wasn't a prophet, priest or king, but a craftsman. When we think about it, that's quite apt, with Jesus likely being a carpenter by trade.

If someone is skilful, intelligent, knowledgeable, and crafty, the temptation is to give them all the credit. This verse makes clear however that God has to take the ultimate credit. He's the One who gives us the talents we enjoy.

If we have a talent, we need to invest it for the Kingdom of God. Being practical is a spiritual gift. Too often we divorce the practical and the spiritual.

'Our Master and Maker, please help us to honour You with whatever gifts You've given us. Forbid that we should bury our talents. In Christ's name we pray, amen'

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