From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. -Eph 4:16 (NIV)
Round puzzles. Square puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles. Crossword puzzles. Heart puzzles!
All have one thing in common - the pieces fit together to complete the whole. If one segment is removed it distorts the full picture. Just as a missing link weakens the chain, an omitted puzzle piece altars the final image.
A few weeks ago we purchased a small shed for our trash cans. It came unassembled with instructions included. The process of piecing it together began. To our surprise after the construction was complete one lone piece remained. As a result, the shed was unstable and wobbly. In the course of assembling the building we accidentally skipped one of the steps, which affected the final outcome. As a result, it was vital to go back to the bypassed step and add the missing piece. In the end, the container was sturdy and useable.
This real life analogy reminded me of the Christian life. God calls us to work together as the body of Christ. But, occasionally a missing piece appears. This can be explained in a variety of ways...
DISUNITY - Sometime we, as the connected pieces, try to fit people into ministry positions rather than allowing God to create and finish His Kingdom Puzzle. As a result, there is a disconnect in the ministry or relationships causing a disunity.
THE LONE PIECE - Sometimes we try to mold ourselves into positions that we are not created to accomplish. We end up forcing it to work rather than allowing God to fit us into His Kingdom Puzzle. This again causes disfunction rather than harmony.
THE TAKE OVER - Finally, it can be tempting to try to fit our own puzzle piece into "all" the places, which not only distorts His Kingdom Puzzle but never functions properly.
God created us to work together as the body of Christ. Beautifully designed to accomplish His purposes. God's Kingdom Puzzles are best created by Him, for Him. His beautiful mosaics form an exquisite panorama of His Glory.
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK - Within His Kingdom Puzzle are you loving others unconditionally, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Do you find yourself trying to fit into places God hasn't designed for you? Are you trying to fit others into your puzzle area that don't belong? Ask God to show you His plan and purpose for you as you serve Him. Remember, He is the ultimate puzzle maker. His designs can't be matched!
From My Heart to Yours,
Carla McDougal
Author of My Prayer Chair and Reflecting Him
Founder/Speaker for Reflective Life Ministries