God calls us to use our skills and abilities for His glory. The Bible highlights the importance of growing in competence and serving others with excellence. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture encourages us to develop and steward our gifts.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Compensation
What Does The Bible Say About Competence
Exodus 31:3
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.”
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping individuals with competence. God’s Spirit is not only responsible for filling us with wisdom and understanding, but also with various skills necessary to fulfill the tasks entrusted to us.
As believers, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to enable us to excel in our areas of expertise and to equip us with the competence needed to serve God effectively.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse emphasizes the rewards of competence. Those who are skilled and proficient in their work will have the opportunity to serve in prominent positions of authority and influence.
God recognizes and exalts those who demonstrate competence, and their abilities open doors to greater opportunities and recognition.
1 Corinthians 12:4
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.”
This verse acknowledges the diversity of gifts and talents that the Holy Spirit bestows upon believers. Each person possesses unique abilities and competencies, all of which are essential for the functioning of the body of Christ.
God distributes these gifts according to His wisdom, and it is important to appreciate and celebrate the diverse competencies within the Christian community.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This verse encourages believers to take pride in their competence and to diligently apply themselves in their work for God. By properly handling and understanding God’s Word, we demonstrate our competence as workers for the Kingdom.
When we are diligent in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding, we can confidently present ourselves to God, knowing that we have been approved by Him.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse reminds us to rely on God’s guidance and wisdom in all that we do. When we commit our work and plans to the Lord, He will establish and bring them to fruition.
Our competence is not reliant solely on our own abilities, but rather on our dependence on God and His direction in our lives.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving our best effort and displaying competence in all aspects of our work. Whether it is in our careers, relationships, or service to others, we should approach everything with wholehearted dedication as though we are serving the Lord Himself.
Our commitment to excellence and competence should not be motivated by the approval of others, but rather by our desire to honor and glorify God.
Proverbs 24:3-4
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
This verse illustrates the role of competence in building and establishing a firm foundation. Just as wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are instrumental in constructing a house, our competencies allow us to fill our lives with valuable and beautiful achievements.
When we pursue excellence and competence, we create a solid framework for success in various areas of our lives.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
This verse highlights the role of spiritual leaders in equipping believers for service. Pastors, teachers, and other leaders are tasked with developing the competencies of the members of the body of Christ.
Through their guidance and instruction, believers are equipped to fulfill their purpose and contribute to the growth and edification of the church.
1 Chronicles 25:7
“Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD—they numbered 288.”
This verse illustrates the importance of competence in specific areas of service. In this instance, the musicians were trained and skilled in music for the Lord, and their competence allowed them to effectively contribute to the worship and praise of God.
When we develop and hone our skills, we can use them to bring glory and honor to God in the various areas of service He has called us to.
Proverbs 13:16
“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of competence in decision-making. Wise individuals take the time to consider their actions and their potential consequences, while fools act impulsively without thinking things through.
By cultivating competence in our thinking and decision-making processes, we can lead lives marked by wisdom and sound judgment.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
This verse assures us that we can seek wisdom from God. When we lack competence or understanding in a particular area, we can turn to God in prayer and ask for His guidance and wisdom.
God is willing and eager to provide us with the knowledge and skills we need to excel in every aspect of our lives.
Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
This verse encourages us to approach our work and service with enthusiasm and passion. Competence is not merely about acquiring skills but also about serving with fervor and dedication.
When we have a genuine zeal for serving the Lord, our competence becomes evident in the impact we make in the lives of others.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse teaches us that God has equipped each of us with unique gifts and talents. Our competence is not meant to be kept to ourselves but rather to be used to serve others and to glorify God.
When we recognize and utilize our gifts in the service of others, we can fulfill our purpose as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
Proverbs 18:15
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and seeking knowledge. Competence is not a one-time achievement but rather a lifelong pursuit.
Those with discerning hearts and wisdom actively seek out opportunities to gain knowledge and increase their competence in various areas of their lives.
Genesis 41:33-36
“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food.”
This verse demonstrates the value of competence in leadership roles. Pharaoh recognizes the need for a discerning and wise man to oversee the management and distribution of resources during a time of abundance and scarcity.
Competent leaders are essential for effectively stewarding and maximizing resources for the benefit of others.
James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
This verse emphasizes that competence is not solely based on knowledge or skills but is also demonstrated through a wise and honorable lifestyle. True competence is exemplified through actions that stem from humility and godly wisdom.
Our competence should be evident in the way we conduct ourselves and in the positive impact we have on those around us.
Matthew 25:23
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'”
This verse portrays the commendation and reward given to those who have been faithful and competent in their service. When we demonstrate competence and faithfulness in the tasks entrusted to us, God acknowledges our efforts and grants us greater responsibilities and blessings.
Our competence in handling small responsibilities becomes a stepping stone to greater opportunities for impacting God’s Kingdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse calls us to rely on God’s guidance and wisdom rather than depending solely on our own understanding. True competence is achieved when we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and humbly submit to His leading.
When we trust in the Lord and follow His path, He will direct and guide us in ways that lead to success and fulfillment.
1 Corinthians 14:40
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
This verse encourages us to approach our tasks with competence and organization. When we execute our work in a fitting and orderly manner, we reflect the character of God who is a God of order.
Competence involves being intentional about efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that everything we do aligns with God’s principles and brings glory to Him.
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being teachable and open to acquiring new knowledge and skills. Competence is not stagnant but continually grows as we listen, learn, and seek guidance from God and others.
A humble and receptive attitude allows us to develop and enhance our competence throughout our journey of faith.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reminds us that our competence should be motivated by our desire to bring glory and honor to God. Whether in our words or actions, our competence should be a testament to our faith in Jesus Christ.
By acknowledging God’s role in our achievements and expressing gratitude to Him, our competence becomes an offering of worship to the One who equips and empowers us.
Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
This verse serves as a prayer for God’s favor and blessing upon the work of our hands. When we commit our work and competence to God, He aligns our efforts with His purposes and establishes their success.
Our competence is magnified and recognized as the work of God, bringing honor and glory to His name.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse emphasizes the value of community and collaboration in enhancing our competence. Just as iron sharpens iron, believers can sharpen and refine one another through mutual encouragement, accountability, and sharing of knowledge and skills.
Engaging with others who possess varying competencies allows us to learn, grow, and become more effective in our own areas of expertise.
2 Timothy 3:17
“so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
This verse assures us that God’s Word is sufficient to equip us for every good work. God’s wisdom and instruction, coupled with our diligent study and application, enable us to develop competence in every aspect of our service to Him.
By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we can be thoroughly equipped to fulfill our calling and make a meaningful impact for His Kingdom.