Imagine if I tried to use a hammer at work to send a report. It wouldn't get very far. I need a computer. Imagine if a construction worker tried to use a computer to pound a door frame into place. Something would break before he got the nail into place. He needs a hammer.
No matter what kind of work you do, you need the right tools for the job.
God has provided us with the right tools for the job, but do we use them?
The most important tools He has given us to complete the tasks of living for His glory and spreading the gospel are:
- His love
- His Son
- His power
- His Holy Spirit
- His Word
Sometimes Christian groups will put on an event they might call an "outreach," but instead of using God's Word as the attraction, entertainment seems to rule the day. Please don't misunderstand, I feel entertainment can have it's place but if fun and games are elevated over the Word of God, we've accomplished nothing of eternal value. We need the right tools for the job.
When we try to keep the rules in our own strength or try to look like the rest of the church, we've also accomplished nothing of eternal value. God isn't interested in my legalistic attempts to "look right". He's interested in what's on the inside. Obedience is not true obedience unless it is performed from a heart of love and humility. We need the right tools for the job.
God sent His Holy Spirit to enlighten us and guide us into all truth. Understanding God's word was never intended to be an exercise in logic, as if God could be conformed to human ways of thinking. We need the right tools for the job.
When Paul prayed for his fellow-believers in Ephesians 1, he prayed they would have and use the right tools for the job. Take note of the "tools" underlined below.
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. -Ephesians 1:15-23
Paul knew what we need to know and remember. We need the right tools for the job.
Father, thank You for giving us the right tools for the tasks You have given us. Thank You for sending Your Son so we could be forgiven and become Your children. Thank You for giving us Your Word and Your Holy Spirit who gives us the understanding of Your ways and the power to live victoriously for You. Help us to use the right tools for the job, to spread Your Word and to live for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Daily Selah] is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.
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