Once there was a young but very skill skilled artisan, a sculptor who worked in stone. He was commissioned to do an important work, one to be placed in the town’s square. But he was fearful of taking on such an important project. So before he began the work, he returned to his teacher for additional training.
The teacher knew that his former student was capable of doing this work, but he also understood that the student was but a poor man, who could not afford the quality tools required for such an important commission. “I will teach you how to do even greater work than that which you already capable, however, I require that you used my tools!”
Day after day, the student hung onto the teacher’s every word, as he soaked up both knowledge and skill from the great master. He learned quickly, but his young hands were not accustomed to using the master’s tools. So when the master-teacher wasn’t looking, the student reverted to using his own, familiar tools.
But the master knew. He could tell by the cut of the stone.
One morning as the student was about to begin work, the opened his toolbox only to discover that every tool had been smashed and broken into a worthless heap! As he held the mangled remains in his hands, the teacher walked in. “Why?” The student asked.
The old master looked at the bewildered student with loving eyes. “I have not destroyed your tools,” replied the master, I have destroyed only those tools, the ones you now hold to your chest.” Picking up one of his own fine tools which was laying before him, the old master continued, “I asked you to learn to use these tools… because they are now… your tools!”
Are we too trusting in our selves, and in our own abilities? Like the young sculptor, are we too comfortable using our own tools… instead of the quality tools freely supplied to us in His Word by our Lord and Master
Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We most always take that verse to refer to the importance of diligent, careful Bible study… and it does. But tucked in between those words pertaining to scripture and study is the word WORKMAN. I take that to mean that after we have read the Word, and we have diligently studied the Word, and we have confirmed in our heart what ‘thus saith the Lord,’ then we are prepared to take up the Master’s tools and do His work, His way, and for His glory. After all, we are but the student!
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Pen In Hand 