In recent weeks many of the people in our church have taken this spiritual gifts assessment. An unusually high number of them have had Craftsmanship come out on top. I think this means one of two things: A. As a congregation we’ve had little experience in the more charismatic gifts or B. We should send a church planting team to Asheville, NC or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul!
Either way, it’s got me thinking about the arts Muslims are known for and have excelled at over the centuries and up to recent days.
Of course we all know Muslims frown on depicting Muhammad, maybe any human actually. We also know that Muslims (and Christians) sadly got good at making swords and their subsequent, limitless variety of tools of destruction.
On the other hand, God has brought tremendous beauty to the earth through the minds and hands of Muslims.
Visually, we have amazing calligraphy, intricate and enduring textiles and woodworking both functional and beautiful.
There is the poetry of Rumi and the music and dance of the rest of the Sufis.
Combining beauty and engineering, Muslim craftsmen have built some of the most stirring buildings in the world.
As conduits of beauty and craftsmanship, I long for Muslims to also realize they are God’s handiwork, created for good works in Christ. May his blood bring them near to a beautiful God who loves them and loves reflecting his beauty through them.