Drill Bit for Christ

When my brother-in-law, Tom, died last year, my sister graciously gave me his ShopSmith woodworking tool. Having been interested in woodworking all my life, I couldn't believe my sister's generosity. I assured her that every piece I ever made would be done in Tom's honor and memory.

Like any power tool, a Shopsmith consists of two basic parts--a powerplant and, for lack of better terms, the tools. Neither is of any use without the other. For instance, one of the five functions of a Shopsmith woodworking tool is a horizontal bore. A horizontal bore is a sideways drill press. It drills precise holes in wood. Well, the Shopsmith's headstock provides the power. But without a drill bit that power just spins in circles. When the power is applied to the wood through the drill bit, however, the result is hole in the wood of precise width and depth.

This is not unlike what God does through his people. He is the powerplant. We are the tools. For His reasons, God has placed Himself in this relationship and in some ways limits His own ability to make a difference in His world to those who willingly submit themselves to Him. But when a person does submit to Him, God is able to apply his power through that person to do miraculous things. Jesus said in John 14:12 (NIV) I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

I am looking forward to getting the Shopsmith up and going and creating beautiful wood pieces in Tom's memory, for my family's good, and for God's glory. But the greater work is what God wants to do through me and all others. He receives even greater glory when He works through His people. Will you be a drill bit for Christ with me? 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV) In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.