Scripture of the Day
1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NKJV)
“Work Glove”
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
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Years ago in a men’s Wednesday Night Bible Study, the teacher held up a screw driver. He asked, “What is this in my hand?” and of course we all identified it as a screw driver. He asked us what are some of the things we use a screw driver for. Of course, we said things like . . . ice pick, door jam, a weapon, etc. These are just a few of the things we said. Then the teacher asked, “What did the creator of the screw driver intend it to be used for?” and of course we all said that it was a tool to screw in screws. At this point, I was personally thinking, “Well, that goes without saying” But then he spoke a message that hit me right between the eyes and deep into my heart. He said, “Well, what did GOD the Creator intend for you to be used for?” I did not see that one coming! He said, we use our own bodies to satisfy fleshly desires like sexual immorality, lying, and even murder, but GOD created us to worship. GOD created us to love. GOD created us to share the Gospel! Then he asked the men, “Are you being used for the intentions that GOD created you!”
Another lesson I learned in a group bible study was the illustration of a glove. A glove cannot do anything on its own. If it is on the ground, it cannot move itself to the countertop. But if a glove stays on the ground long enough it will get dirty, worn and torn by the elements, by the footsteps of those walking on it, etc. It will have nothing to show for its wounds, because it was not used for its intentions. In order for the glove to do the work it is intended for, someone must put their hand in the glove! I bet everyone can finish this SOD . . . can’t you! We are all Godly Workman Gloves, but without GOD the Holy Spirit inside us, we will accomplish nothing for the kingdom of GOD. Sure, without HIM we can get dirty, become worn and torn, but our wounds will not reflect the work that we are intended for. We must let GOD into our lives, so that we can become the gloves that work for HIM.
Think about it, when you put on a pair of gloves, they become an extension of your work! Winter gloves are used for winter, driving gloves are used for driving, boxing gloves are used for boxing . . . get the point! Well, Godly Workman Gloves are used for Godly work! How effective can boxing gloves be for driving? How warm will driving gloves keep your hands in the winter? So in order for us to be effective gloves for the LORD, we need HIM in our lives. Because if it is GOD the Holy Spirit inside, you will save both yourself and those who hear you! Those who see you! Please, let GOD use you. When man uses you up, there is no more value expected. But the more GOD uses you, the more invaluable you become.
LORD, I am YOURS. I give myself to YOU. Use me as a Godly Workman Glove. My desire is to fulfill the purpose I was intended for. Let this temple be a dwelling place for YOUR Spirit. Keep my eyes focused on YOU. Keep my hands working for YOU. Keep my mind meditating on YOU. Keep my heart longing for YOU. I was made to worship YOU. Glory to YOUR name . . . Amen!