Skill

If you’re ever going to a new place, you’ve probably turned to Google or Chat GPT and said some version of, “Tell me about _______.” San Francisco or Cuba or the best bone fishing spots (just me?) or whatever. You’re not looking for a deep dive. A deep dive can always follow if there is interest. Quite the opposite. Give me the big ideas, the things not to miss, a quick snapshot. It’s a primer. I’m taking that primer idea to a series of practical theological topics over the summer. No dissertation here. Just a Biblical door opening on a few different themes that touch our life and work. Enjoy. 

A pilot bringing a 747 in for a landing in a rainstorm. A sales manager closing a deal with an uncooperative client. The perfectly put together meal with homegrown spices and homemade sauces. The attorney with the perfectly persuasive closing argument.

Skill in action is something you can’t help but admire and respect. 

Shinichi Suzuki, the legendary music teacher, said “Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.”

It’s not that knowledge doesn’t matter; it’s just that it matters very, very little by itself. Skill, on the other hand stands out and makes you say, “Wow. I definitely can’t do that.” (Exhibit A: Yo Yo Ma on the cello.)

But what difference does it make to the Christian professional? Isn’t it enough to be salt and light—be a model of morality, share your faith when appropriate? Not flip someone off, drink too much at happy hour, or cut someone off in the parking lot? Isn’t that enough? What role does skill play?

The Bible actually says that God cares greatly about our work skills. Yes, Jesus loves you when you’re mediocre, but that doesn’t mean he wants us to settle for mediocrity.

The work life of Jesus is a prime example. He was a master carpenter (the Greek word used to describe him is that of someone who makes something of beauty from very little). He was a great healer. A great communicator. A great mentor. A great teacher. A great scholar. The Bible actually records people saying, “He has done everything well.”

No surprise here—the perfect man was perfect in his competencies.

But what about us? The imperfect man or woman? How should we think about skill in the workplace?

Here’s my definition of skill: understanding something completely and transforming that knowledge into creations of wonder and excellence.

Here’s my argument: demonstrating great expertise on our work is a form of worship, just like developing godly character. It’s a process that pleases God.

And here’s what you might actually remember: genes, jeans, and the Holy Spirit.

Genes

God created each of us in his image, but unique. He knows us inside and out. Which means he’s given us certain skills. Some people have natural talents in art or communication or athletics. Some do not. Some find math or science “easy.” (You know who you are.) Others feel drawn to work with nature.

Joseph gravitated to work directing people, whether as a servant, an inmate, or a prime minister.

What are the moments where you say with the sprinter Eric Liddell, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure?”

Fight these natural pulls and you’ll always struggle with unhappiness in your work. It doesn’t mean you can’t find contentment. But it will be a struggle. Like trying to speak in another person’s voice.

Jeans

But it’s not just biological make-up that makes skill. There’s lots of people wired for something who don’t pull it off.

Why? Because they don’t do the work to fit into their skill jeans. Go with the analogy: you may own some jeans that you don’t fit into. They’re yours, and they might look good on you and be your favorites, but only if you do the work to fit into them. No tight pants allowed.

In other words, there’s outside forces (some of which are inside our control and some are outside) that shape our skill. 

Examples:

• Mentors and boss
• Life experiences
• Repeated practice (the 10,000 hour rule)
• Educational training
• Injury
• Collaborators and networking connections

The writer John Gardner said “Most talent remains undeveloped.” Proverbs says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings.” That’s not just dumb luck. That’s “I had some talent and I put in a lot of work.” 

The Holy Spirit

Whether you identify as a Christian or not, the “genes and jeans” definition works. But those who follow Christ also have the influence of the Holy Spirit, and Scripture clearly identifies the Holy Spirit as an aide who can come alongside us and help develop specific work-related skills. 

Consider Bezalel the tabernacle craftsman who God “filled…with the Spirit of God” to deliver skill. (Exodus 31:3). Or Gideon the general. Or Samson the warrior. Or David the king. Or the disciples after Jesus ascended. The Spirit came and they excelled at their role.

Likewise, without the Holy Spirit, we can never maximize our skill in any job.

Now, that doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit makes us something we’re not. He won’t build into us what God the Creator did not (though he might lead you to someone who can help!).

Concluding Thoughts

How does the Christian live a life of skill? I love simple steps, so I’ll give you three.

• Define your skill—how have you been wired by God?
• Make a lifelong effort to develop your skills
• Pray about #1 and #2

It might not get you into the Guinness Book of World Records. It might not get you the corner office. It won’t get you into heaven. But it will make you a skilled image-bearer, just like you were supposed to be.

View the other primers here.