The Unlikely Toolbox

I was teaching the Sabbath School lesson when the study had us take a closer look at 1 Corinthians 12:14–20. There were quite a few odd looks as I pulled out a toolbox and opened it. We looked at all the normal tools one usually finds in a toolbox.

Then I spoke to the women in the class and asked, “What do you use when you need to tighten a screw on a cabinet, and you don’t have a screwdriver?” They all answered, “A butter knife!” Right answer! I continued, “And what do you use when you don’t have a hammer to drive a nail into the wall?” Again, all the ladies got it as I pulled one of my high-heeled shoes out of the toolbox. The men in the class were a little befuddled.

OK, so back to the lesson. The screwdriver and butter knife are both capable of performing the same task. They just look a little different.

An old, timeworn butter knife with some dents in it is not a shiny-handled screwdriver. If given the choice, which one would you pick first? The same with the hammer.

A person feels pretty powerful with the knowledge of how to sling that hammer so that it hits the nail on the head the first time. So why would I settle for using my worn-out heel in hopes of hitting my mark? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12 that all members of the body were designed for a purpose—to meet a need. And the same holds true for the members of the church—all members, not some members. So think about this for a moment: God’s people do not all look the same. They do not all function in the same manner or have the same ideas about how to accomplish a task. God expects us to help those who are not as “shiny” or “powerful” to do their part in the Lord’s work. Though they may fail or falter at the start, though they may miss the mark on their first attempt, we can encourage them to use and grow their talents and skills for God. Do you feel like a shoe or a butter knife? Be encouraged, my friend, for there are many ways to work for God. Make yourself available to be used by Him, and He will put you to work. Regardless of whether you are a bright, shiny hammer or a worn high-heeled shoe, in the Master’s hands, you will be the best person for the job!

Victoria M. Shewbrooks