with Bob Condly

A Pinewood Derby Christian

(http://www.fastpinewoodderbytips.com/wp-content/gallery/pinewood-derby-pictures/41ae20f09d9c4311d40aace0b12662fc.jpg)
(http://www.fastpinewoodderbytips.com/wp-content/gallery/pinewood-derby-pictures/41ae20f09d9c4311d40aace0b12662fc.jpg)

Last week, at our church’s pinewood derby competition, I gave a devotional based on a talk I had found online. Here’s a beefed-up version of what I said:

A Question

In Mark 4:30, Jesus asked, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like?” He answered His own question by comparing the kingdom to a mustard seed which starts out tiny but grows huge.

I’d say the kingdom is a God-ruled life. If the Lord governs you, you’re in His kingdom. But what does that look like? I get why Christ used imagery like a mustard seed, or soil, fish, and a party to describe the kingdom. They help people visualize an invisible reality. Following His example, I suggest that a God-ruled life resembles a pinewood derby car. Here’s how.

Design

Before you build your car, you have an idea of what you want it to look like. Maybe you observed someone else’s model and thought it was awesome. Or you saw a picture or a video of a vehicle that caught your eye. You want to build a car that captures the picture in your head. Ideally, the car will look good and race fast!

God has a design for your life. He wants you to do His will and by His grace, you can.

Purchase

If you want to enter a car in the derby, you have to buy the kit. Only then can you begin fulfilling the vision you have for it.

Jesus purchased you with the shedding of His blood. He bought you so He could work on you.

Block

The kit comes with a block of wood which you fashion according to your design. It doesn’t look like much to begin with, but that piece of wood can become something special.

You may not feel like much, and you may not look like much, but God can make something magnificent out of your life. Just trust Him!

Cut

Michelangelo is reputed to have said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” You’re a pinewood derby artist! To bring out what you can see the in your mind, you have to cut away anything that doesn’t belong.

When you give yourself to Jesus, He gets rid of the sin in your life because evil and guilt  don’t conform to God’s highest and best for you. He has something better!

Sand

Once you cut away the extra wood, you’re left with the rough shape of the car you envision. However, it’s not ready for the track. You have to sand the wood so it’s smooth and shaped like it needs to be.

In the same way, God polishes you, even if you don’t like it! You might feel like you’re ready for the race; after all, the sin and regret are gone. What remains is supposed to be good, right? Yes, but it’s not done. Through spiritual disciplines, the Lord polishes your life so that you begin realizing His His plan for you. No discipline is pleasant at the moment, but the results are worth it!

Paint

Colors, decals, accoutrements – all these make your car stand out. They set it apart and help to identify the vehicle as yours. What began as a rough block of wood has taken on an impressive appearance. (I hope!)

God made you distinct, too. You’re special in His sight. In some respects, you’re the same person you always were, but in significant ways, you’re completely different. But there’s more; yes, more!

Wheels

Your car might appear remarkable, but it belongs on the track. You have to install the wheels and they need to line up right. Be sure to coat the axles with graphite so the wheels can spin fast; the less resistance the better.

Jesus didn’t redeem you to sit still. He’s given you everything you need to get into the the spiritual race. Get ready for the racetrack; it’s where you belong.

Weight

One final preparation. Your car should get as close as possible to the maximum weight without exceeding the limit. If it’s too light, you can add little weights here and there. If it’s too heavy, you might have to drill a few holes in the bottom of the car to shed a few tenths of an ounce. Pinewood derbies are precise!

The Lord equips you with everything you need so you can do your best. He may add to your life what you perceive to be an unnecessary burden, but God views it as a responsibility. Take it seriously. Or, He might require you to shed something you value. But God knows better. What you presume to form a part of you may be keeping you from performing at your best. Like it or not, it has to go.

Race

In the Derby, you compete against others. Not every car comes out on top.

In the Kingdom, Christians help each other. In God’s sight, you’ve already won! If you believe in Jesus, you’re a winner! So you can afford to encourage and assist other racers. The Lord promises to reward those who live this way. The spiritual race may not be easy, but it will  be worth it!

Your Turn

What does the kingdom of God look like to you? How would you describe God-ruled life that Jesus offers? What images or pictures spring to mind?

with Bob Condly

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Meta

Verified by MonsterInsights