“Moses answered,
"What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not
appear to you'?" 2 Then the
LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff,"
he replied. 3 The LORD said,
"Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became
a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your
hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the
snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.” Exodus 4:1-4
Computer Tools
When
God called Moses to get to work, he drew his attention to the only tool he had:
his shepherd’s staff. Can you imagine if
his staff had been a computer? “Moses, I
want you to go to Egypt. But first, you
will need to have your staff updated.
You aren’t running the latest SOS (that’s Staff Operating System). Update, and go into Egypt!” Updates.
What a mess!
Do you
download the latest operating system updates for your electronic tools? They can be very beneficial, and fun,
depending on what new functions are added by them. I usually look forward to system
updates…usually that is.
Lately
I’m getting a little tense about having to update my computer tools. It seems like I may be updating my tools into
obsolescence. Here’s an example: I purchased a new Macbook Pro in 2011. Only a few weeks later, Mac released a new
version of their operating system that featured functions that my computer
could not even access. Even though my
computer was only a few weeks old, it was now LAST year’s model, and it was not
compatible with some of those cool new software functions. In a few years, my valuable laptop will not
even be compatible with whatever is next, new, and now! Boo.
Likewise,
my iPhone and iPad, which are a right-hand help tools to all I do
professionally, will become obsolete to the forward march of software progress
when the next operating system update or two are released. And if I want to continue to stay current
with new technologies, I’ll have to “upgrade” the hardware and get a new iPhone
and iPad. The tools I have currently
will be relegated to the bin of yesterday’s technology. How is this good business? Well, it’s good for the company I suppose…For
me, not so much, because I need these tools to do what I need to do. Tools are important…and expensive.
My Daddy’s Tools
Before
my Dad became a minister almost 60 years ago, he was an auto mechanic, and a
fine one to boot. He has just about
every tool you can imagine to repair anything from a child’s wagon, to
automobiles, farm equipment, or conduct home repair. A great number of his tools he has had for 40
or 50 years! He even has some of HIS
daddy’s tools which must be as old as 60 to 70 years old. And you know what? While those tools may be a little worn, for
the most part, they work every bit as well as they did when they were new! They don’t have to be updated, nor are they
abandoned by whatever new wrench or hammer that comes out next year. My Daddy’s tools were built to last.
When I
was young, my Dad bought me my first tools and began to teach me their
value. He taught me how to use them
correctly and safely. You know, as I
think about it, it is very likely that I will one day inherit my daddy’s tools,
and very likely that years from now, my children may inherit them from me. Unless they are lost or broken, they will
stay valuable and effective for generations to come. I’m very grateful for my Dad teaching me
about tools, because they are periodically necessary and they are important to
working effectively in life.
My Heavenly Father’s Tools
In the
Holy Bible, our Father God has given us the tools we will need to live
prosperous, successful, joy filled, righteous and holy lives. Therein we discover guiding wisdom for every
facet of our earthly lives, and preparation for our eternal life in the
hereafter. Psalm 119:1-8 read:
“Blessed are
those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they
do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be
fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I
would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will raise you
with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.”
Magnificent
tools for living have been set before us in the Bible. Can we measure their value? Can we afford to neglect them, or ignore
them?
Here is
good news…no, here is wonderful news: The tools of God’s word are never
outdated. God does not release updates that render everything we’ve known up to
this point in Christian living as obsolete!
God’s tools do not wear out, or break.
They cannot be lost, nor will they be replaced by some new-fangled or
trendy thing. Isaiah 40:8 assures us that: “…the word of the Lord endures
forever.” They endure forever.
How
grateful am I that God has given us tools; tools to accomplish His will, to
help us walk in His way. We are wise to
employ these tools, to teach our children their value and pursuit. Tools for living: God has given us all we need.
Prayer
Almighty God,
Thank you for your Word! King David
prayed “I hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Father, teach me to rightly divide your
Word. Teach me your tools. Teach me their value. Help me that I might pass them on to
generations to come. In Jesus’ name I
pray, Amen.
Submitted By Kerry Patton
