It wasn’t that long ago that being called a tool wasn’t something very flattering. Actually, for most of us that probably still applies. I know many people like me that tend to not be on the cutting edge of slang so words like “tool” and “redonkulous” are still perfectly fine within a cool man’s vocabulary. So my purpose in this blog post is to celebrate my new found acceptance of being called a tool.
As our family has been in this process I am involved with a lot of reading, both suggested and mandatory. Books that friends have suggested, one’s we are reading for our Sunday school class, some that are part of a men’s study I am in and some that are part of the training for missions. The good news about all this reading is that I am learning a lot and seeing things from ways that I have never looked at them before. One downside…wisdom creeps into my head on occasion where I reflect back to something I recently read, but can never then find the original source again.
The use of the word tool is a perfect example as I read it’s connection with how we view ourselves and most importantly the work that God is doing in our lives. Most of us have been places where we see an absolutely stunning piece of work. It might be a painting, could be handcrafted woodwork, maybe it is a perfectly manicured lawn. You might even be one of those unfortunate souls who find beauty in a statue of Nick Saban outside Bryant-Denny stadium. Go Vols! Now say you meet the person who painted that picture or carved the intricate design in the wood. Your first reaction is probably to praise that person that created it. Not many of us would walk up to the creator and begin heaping praise on the paintbrush or the mitre saw without regard for the work of the artist.
So why do we do this with God? Why do we as simple tools feel like we deserve the praise that is rightfully our Creators? Why do we as believers cast praise on people when we know where the work was really done?
As our family walks through this change in our lives we naturally hear a lot from people about the amazing thing we are doing. About how it is great to see the Elders do this or that. I pray, and hope you will pray with us, that we will humble ourselves to the work that God is doing through us. I pray that we will understand the role we play in this journey and be willing to be bold in our proclamation that we are simply the tool He is using to glorify the work that He is doing.
Tate
As our family has been in this process I am involved with a lot of reading, both suggested and mandatory. Books that friends have suggested, one’s we are reading for our Sunday school class, some that are part of a men’s study I am in and some that are part of the training for missions. The good news about all this reading is that I am learning a lot and seeing things from ways that I have never looked at them before. One downside…wisdom creeps into my head on occasion where I reflect back to something I recently read, but can never then find the original source again.
The use of the word tool is a perfect example as I read it’s connection with how we view ourselves and most importantly the work that God is doing in our lives. Most of us have been places where we see an absolutely stunning piece of work. It might be a painting, could be handcrafted woodwork, maybe it is a perfectly manicured lawn. You might even be one of those unfortunate souls who find beauty in a statue of Nick Saban outside Bryant-Denny stadium. Go Vols! Now say you meet the person who painted that picture or carved the intricate design in the wood. Your first reaction is probably to praise that person that created it. Not many of us would walk up to the creator and begin heaping praise on the paintbrush or the mitre saw without regard for the work of the artist.
So why do we do this with God? Why do we as simple tools feel like we deserve the praise that is rightfully our Creators? Why do we as believers cast praise on people when we know where the work was really done?
As our family walks through this change in our lives we naturally hear a lot from people about the amazing thing we are doing. About how it is great to see the Elders do this or that. I pray, and hope you will pray with us, that we will humble ourselves to the work that God is doing through us. I pray that we will understand the role we play in this journey and be willing to be bold in our proclamation that we are simply the tool He is using to glorify the work that He is doing.
Tate
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