If you look up the word Tool in Urban Dictionary, the definition you will read is this: “One who lacks the mental capacity to know he is being used. A fool. A cretin. Characterized by low intelligence and/or self-esteem.”
If you look it up in Webster’s Dictionary this is what you will find, amongst others: “One utilized to carry out the designs of another; one manipulated or used by another.”
The tool I want to be is the latter, although I suppose one could argue that I am the prior.
The type of Tool I want to be is a screwdriver, a hammer, a pair of pliers, etc. Some of you, like me, may be mechanically inclined; others, I understand, are not. My father built into me the ability and common sense to fix almost anything, so I grew up using tools. Therefore, I know what tool to use for what job.
Those of you who aren’t mechanically inclined may not know this intuitively. For example, a pair of pillars can be used to screw in a screw, but you won’t be able to make it tight; thus, the screwdriver.
We are all uniquely gifted, made to be a specific tool. I want to be used by God in the way He has gifted me. I don’t want to be a screwdriver when He has gifted me to be a hammer. I pray continually that I will know my limitations and only operate in the realm or the arena He has for me.
Like a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, I am powerless to do anything without someone picking it up and providing the power. It is the same for us – we are ineffective without the power from God to accomplish His plan through us.
Philippians 4:13 states that “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
John 15:5 states, “… for apart from Me you can do nothing.” The context of this verse is that of a vine with branches. If a branch is not abiding or attached to the vine, it cannot produce fruit or be useful (my paraphrase).
I want to be utilized by God to impact this world, or at least, the corner of it where God has put me. I challenge you to seek out how He has gifted you and discover how He wants to use you. Let’s all figure out what Tool we are so God has a complete tool box.