1599) We are living in times when you really don’t need to know how to do many things. Often, skilled laborers are only knowledgeable about doing one specific thing. The renaissance man (or woman), the ones who know how to do many things, are dying off.

I’ve also wondered if this lack of abilities in multiple areas is also narrowing in social and spiritual skills. Do we have an understanding of how to greet each other in a civil manner? Are we aware that managing our reactions is a skill that requires practice? Are we familiar with the spiritual gifts given to us by God and are we utilizing them in various aspects of our lives?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us of a skill that would benefit all of us if we can work on it and that is, building one another up. Building up, not tearing down. Not trying to “improve” someone else. Not trying to belittle. Instead, building up someone else. Encouraging one another. Asking how someone is doing and listening to their answers. Remembering others on difficult anniversaries. Checking in with others regularly. All of these things communicate we care about others.

Yes, we are living in times when having multiple skills is not the norm, but that doesn’t mean it has to be true of us.