The Spirit-Filled Builder and the Forgotten Theology of Work

It is no accident that the first person Scripture describes as filled with the Spirit of God is not a preacher, prophet, or king—but a builder. Bezalel’s calling in Exodus 31 disrupts the false dichotomy between “spiritual” and “secular” vocations.

God called and filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, and skill to construct the Tabernacle—the meeting place of heaven and earth. His work was theological. Every measurement, every stitch, every structure bore witness to the nature and order of God.

This is no less true for those of us called into business, design, logistics, leadership, and administration. The Spirit empowers us not only to speak truth, but to build with excellence, justice, and beauty. In this way, our labor—like Bezalel’s—becomes doxology.

Ask the Spirit to fill your hands and mind this week, that your work may witness to the glory of God.

-Jacob