Mar
10
Like Lego Bricks
Filed Under Devotional
I had and still have a love affair with Lego. As a kid, I could not get enough of the bricks and enjoyed building a variety of things over and over. I loved that they allowed me to be creative in a very left-brained kind of way. Lego bricks are not a completely freeform art (say, like Play Doh), but they do allow for structured creativity.
I just loved that whatever I built could easily fit with other things. The sizes and shapes were standardized, so it was never very difficult to get my creations to fit and combine. I just loved it when things seemed to snap together perfectly and acted like they were meant to fit like that.
I still have an appreciation for design elegance in software, hi-tech gear, and even architecture. Features that seem to fit together, flow, and perform multiple functions just feel right. Then, when everything seems to push towards the same theme or goal, it’s that much better.
The more I study the Word and dig into the deeper things, the more I find that same feeling. All of the pieces fit together, support each other, and guide us all toward the clear and powerful goal of a life in Christ.
As an example, I have often quoted the following Scripture when reminding others of the need to be able to defend their faith. I have also quoted the subsequent verse separately when mentioning the need to speak to others in a way that gives them no ammunition for legitimate criticism. It was only recently that I realized these are consecutive verses and support each other:
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16
We are absolutely commanded to be prepared to give a defense. But, we are to give that defense with gentleness and respect! This is truth with grace which is reinforced all through the New Testament.
These commands are valuable alone. They are move valuable when paired. They are even more valuable when you see that they reinforce a larger lesson about truth with grace.
I love it when the pieces fit like this!