Good morning. I was reading recently about a fellow preacher who decided to liven up his adult Sunday School class. At the Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Ellensburg, Washington James Powel’s class tried something new. Instead of the usual lessons they had become accustomed to, Pastor Powel signed up the various members of the class to bring tools they use in their daily work to class and demonstrate their use. Not only were they to show how these tools of their trade worked, but they were to then give a short lesson that applied such use to Christian life.
The first Sunday’s lesson was started by logger Paul Maurer. He brought a few types of chainsaws, fired them up, and showed how each type had a special and unique purpose for his work. He also had a double-bitted axe. His point was that for any of these tools to be effective and safe they needed to be well maintained and kept sharp. So it is with the servants of the Lord. He added that the double-bitted axe reminded him that the Word of God is a double-edged sword.
The next week a violinist brought her instrument. She played a simple piece that she used when teaching beginning students. She then played a more difficult piece that was for more accomplished students. And finally, she played something extraordinary and quite difficult. Her point was that to become skilled you must start with the basics, and you must commit to practice. So it is, she said, when handling the Word of God.
Another week it was a doctor who showed them the table full of tools needed to perform surgery. His point was that there were many tools required and it is essential to become capable with all of them if you want to make a difference when you are truly needed. So it is, the doctor said, with prayer, scripture reading and discussion, and various kinds of Christian service.
This sounds like an intriguing way to liven up a class. It also reminded me of Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Take a moment to consider the tools you use in the course of your day. What has been required for you to be able to use them? Now consider the tools you need to use to be at your best in service to your Lord. What needs to happen to make those tools sharper, more polished, more useful?
Something to think about.
Vern