The other morning I turned the switch on my lamp, but it didn’t turn on. I assumed it was the bulb, so I replaced it (and I was impressed with myself because I actually had spare light bulbs), but it still didn’t turn on. Then I looked at the outset and saw the cord wasn’t plugged in all the way. All the correct pieces were there, but they weren’t being used quite right.
One of my big summer projects was replacing the tub surround in my bathroom. Never again, it was not pleasant, but at least it’s done and I can use the shower again. During the installation process I used wall anchors to attach a stubborn wall panel. But the anchors wouldn’t hold – they kept pulling out of the wall. I lost my mind, because I’d been trying to attach this particular panel for three days. These wall anchors were my last attempt. . . and they weren’t working. An hour and several deep breaths later I realized I was using the wall anchors backward and that’s why they weren’t holding (and I haven’t admitted this out loud, only here in writing). I had the correct tool, but I wasn’t using it quite right.
How about tools that God gives us?
Scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
Speech: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 ESV); “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. (James 1:19 ESV)
But what if the way we use those tools isn’t quite right?
Misinterpreting Scripture: 2 Peter 1:20-21
Adding to or taking away from Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19
Speech: Proverbs 10:19; James 1:26
God gave Moses the tool of his voice, that with it he would speak God’s words. In Numbers 20:2-13 we find the Israelites in the desert complaining. . . again. They’re thirsty and ask Moses why they left Egypt only to die in the desert. God tells Moses to tell a rock to yield water and the people will drink. Instead, Moses gets frustrated and hits the rock with his staff. The rock still yields water, but Moses didn’t use his voice the way God told him to. It wasn’t quite right.
God gave David the tools of authority and leadership over Israel. In 2 Samuel 11 we find David using those tools for his own benefit when he takes Bathsheba and has her husband killed. It wasn’t quite right.
God gave Solomon the tools of wisdom and wealth. He gave Solomon the instruction to not marry foreign wives, therefore steering clear of worshipping foreign gods. In 1 Kings 11:1-8 we find Solomon using that wealth to build places of worship for the gods of his foreign wives. Not quite right.
How do we use tools that God gives us correctly?
By being aware and reflective: Are we living according to Scripture or according to what we want?
By reading and studying: We can’t apply Scripture to our lives if we don’t know what the Bible says.
By praying: Being in right relationship with God allows us to hear His voice and guidance. . . if we’re still enough to listen for it and hear it.
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