Wisdom and Insights
The Carpenter’s Tools
Jul 6th, 2026
Scripture: I Corinthians 12:4-31
Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt informed him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, “If I must leave this carpenter’s shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He’s insignificant and makes a very small impression.” A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes.
Little brother Gimlet arose and said, “Alright, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him.”
Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, “If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave too. All of his work is on the surface; there’s no depth to what he does.”
To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, “Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep.”
Brother Saw complained, saying, “Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he’s always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right.”
Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, “Brother Sandpaper doesn’t belong here either. He’s rougher than he ought to be and is always rubbing people the wrong way.”
During the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day’s work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day’s work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He used, no other tool could have done the work better.
THOUGHT: We are all “tools” in Jesus’ toolbox. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.
Each one of us serves a purpose in God. Just like one tool is not better than another tool, so also one Christian does not serve a greater purpose than another. We should not compare ourselves to others. The only One we should compare ourselves to is God our Father. He alone can show us what we should become and teach us what our purpose is in Him. Our abilities become significant when used within His power and guided by His love.
Dear Father God, Thank You for appreciating all the abilities of each of Your children. You certainly enhance my gifts and abilities by teaching me who I am through Your Word. I am so glad You need each of the tools in Your toolbelt.
Let us consider the different groups that we are a part of and consider that the differences we all have actually strengthens us. What would you think if a repairman would show up to fix your washer in your homes with a small toolbox containing ONLY a few hammers? Before he started hitting your washer, you might ask him to leave as he is not prepared, nor capable, of repairing the washer. Many times we can have a bad reaction, even if it does not show to others, to how others are so different than we are.
I think at the very least it would be dull and unexciting if we were all the same. And far worse, is we could not accomplish much. God made us different for specific reasons, some of which I believe He loves diversity and he is certainly creative.
What groups are you a part of? Immediate family, extended family, church, work, worship group, charity, and more. Do you find yourself appreciating people who are different than yourself, or more often find them to be irritating?
Once we get to the point where we can appreciate those differences, it will be amazing how much can be accomplished working together and how much richer our lives will be.
Previous Words of Wisdom
Faith That Builds a Life Worth Living
Oct 10th, 2025
Walking by Faith Through Life’s Journey
Life has a way of humbling us. No matter who we are, no matter where we come from, we all face seasons that test our strength, our convictions, and our hope. Over the years I’ve learned that it’s not the size of the mountain in front of us that matters most, but the foundation under our feet. And for me, that foundation is Jesus Christ.
When storms come — and they always do — we don’t get to choose whether the winds blow. But we can choose where we’re rooted. If your house is built on the Rock, the floodwaters may rise, the winds may howl, and your walls may rattle, but the foundation will hold. That truth has carried me through valleys I never imagined walking.
Faith and life are inseparable. Some folks try to treat faith like a Sunday accessory — something you wear to church but put back in the closet during the week. But faith isn’t meant to be compartmentalized. Faith is the lens through which we see the world, the anchor that holds us steady, and the compass that keeps us pointed in the right direction.
I’ve often been reminded that faith is not the absence of struggle. It doesn’t mean we’re exempt from pain, loss, or disappointment. In fact, faith sometimes asks us to keep going through those very things. Faith is trusting God when the road bends where we can’t see. It’s believing that His promises are greater than our circumstances.
Family: God’s Gift and Responsibility
One of the greatest blessings God has given me is my family. I’m the father of four sons, now grown men between the ages of 26 and 31. And I’m also a grandfather, blessed with little ones 6 years old and under. Being a husband, a father, and now a grandfather is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility.
When my boys were young, I remember the long days, the laughter, the late-night talks, and yes, the mistakes I made along the way. Parenting is full of moments you wish you could redo — times when you didn’t have enough patience, when you let your temper show, or when you were too busy. But looking back, I see God’s grace covering all of it. He doesn’t call us to be perfect parents, but He calls us to be present. To show up. To love our children with the kind of love that points them to Him.
Now, as a grandfather, I feel that same responsibility in a new way. When I look into the eyes of my grandchildren, I see the next chapter of our family’s story. I want them to grow up knowing that their grandpa’s greatest treasure was his faith in Christ. I want them to know that family dinners, laughter in the living room, prayers before bed — these were the real markers of success.
Our culture tells us that success is about titles, bank accounts, or recognition. But at this stage in life, I can tell you with confidence: true success is found in the kind of men my sons have become and the kind of love that fills my grandchildren’s hearts. That’s wealth you can’t measure with numbers.
Integrity: Living What You Believe
Integrity is one of those words we don’t hear enough anymore. It means doing the right thing when nobody’s watching. It means telling the truth even when it costs you something. It means being the same person in private that you are in public.
I’ve lived long enough to see what happens when people trade integrity for temporary gain. I’ve seen families torn apart, trust shattered, and men left with deep regrets. But I’ve also seen what happens when people choose to live honestly, humbly, and faithfully. It brings peace. It builds trust. It leaves a legacy.
For my sons, I wanted them to grow up watching a father whose words and actions matched. I know I didn’t always get it right, but I pray they saw consistency more than compromise. And now, with grandchildren looking up at me with wide eyes, the responsibility feels even greater. Because integrity doesn’t just shape your own life — it shapes generations.
Community: Strong Homes Build Strong Towns
I believe with all my heart that strong communities are built one strong home at a time. When fathers and mothers are engaged, when children are raised in faith, when grandparents step in to encourage and support, neighborhoods thrive.
That doesn’t mean life is without challenges. It never will be. But when families are anchored in faith and integrity, when they look out for one another and serve each other, communities become stronger than any policy or program could ever make them.
I’ve seen what happens when neighbors care enough to check in on each other. I’ve seen churches step outside their walls to meet needs during the week. And I’ve seen ordinary men and women step up to guide young people, investing time and love in the next generation. It changes everything. It creates hope where there was despair. It strengthens the weak. It lifts up the broken.
Walking Forward with Hope
If you’re reading this and you’re in a valley right now, I want you to know you are not alone. I don’t know the details of your struggle, but I know the God who sees every tear you’ve cried. I know the One who promises never to leave you nor forsake you.
Hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s the confident belief that God’s word is true and His plans are good. Hope is what gives us courage to face tomorrow without fear. It’s what keeps us moving forward when life feels too heavy.
Maybe you’re carrying burdens nobody else knows about. Maybe you’ve been disappointed, betrayed, or overlooked. I’ve been there. But I’ve also seen God show up at just the right time. I’ve seen doors open when I thought opportunities were gone. I’ve seen healing in places I thought were permanently broken. If God can do it for me, He can do it for you.
Closing Thoughts
As I sit here as a father of four grown sons and a grandfather of little ones, I’m reminded that life is short, but eternity is long. What we do here matters. How we love matters. How we lead our families matters. The choices we make every day ripple through generations.
So I encourage you: keep walking by faith. Keep showing up for your family. Keep living with integrity. Keep planting seeds of kindness and truth in your community. You may not see the fruit immediately, but in God’s timing, the harvest will come.
One day, when we stand before the Lord, the measure of our lives won’t be in possessions or recognition. It will be in whether we lived for Him, whether we loved well, and whether we used our time on earth to build something that lasts.
My prayer is that, for you and for me, the answer will be yes.