Daddy laid on his back, looking up at the slowly dripping kitchen drain. An open toolbox lay just out of reach as he struggled to reach for the pipe wrench from his position under the sink.
The observing toddler saw what his daddy was trying to do and saw an opportunity to help. Waddling over to the tempting array of shiny pieces of metal, the youngster grabbed what he was sure his father was reaching. Dragging a heavy hammer over to his dad, he tried his best to put it into his parent’s hands.
“Why, thank you, son.” although it was not the tool he wanted, the father felt he needed to encourage his son for helping.
The young boy beamed with pride as he felt needed and was a part of his father’s interesting task.
The unneeded hammer was placed down on the cabinet’s floor, and “Papa” asked for help from the boy. “Can you get the large red wrench for me?”
Sauntering over to the toolbox, the boy again scanned the box of gadgets. He, of course, did not know what “red” was, and a “wrench” was just as foreign to him. With a big smile, he grabbed what he thought was what his dad wanted, carried it to the plumber-wanna-be, and accidentally dropped the heavy tool on his father’s chest.
The father chuckled at the wrong choice. It was not the right tool, but he still could use the pliers his son gave him, and besides, it would make the boy feel useful.
“Thanks so much, son. This will do the trick,” and “Papa” labored, making do with the pliers he was handed.
All would giggle at the youngster’s attempt at helping the grown-up. Perhaps, we have even seen a little tike trying to help an adult.
Although the youngster genuinely tried to be a big help, the father really could have done the job faster and better without the little one’s assistance. However, the love the toddler showed by wanting to help was a joy to the parent. The child’s effort was more important than the boy’s knowledge of tools, and that attitude needed to be encouraged.
Our God’s reaction to attempts to serve Him is very similar to the fictional account of the helping toddler. The Creator made this Earth and all that is in and on it in just six days. He certainly does not need our help.
However, God loves to see His “children” want to help Him and return the love He gives them. Our service efforts may not be much in the light of what God does daily, but our striving to help Him is what He loves and desires. He certainly could do everything better without our “help,” but it is the giving, loving attitude that God wants of us.
We owe God so much. Without His mercy and graciousness, we would be or have nothing. All believers should love Him with all their hearts.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37 Also: Deuteronomy 6:5, 11:1, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27.
Our actions should show our love towards our Creator and Saviour. Our sincerest attempts to serve the Lord may be much like the toddler’s attempts to help his father. We may not be or cannot do much for our Great God, but He desires for us to serve Him.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Roman 12:1“
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Rom. 6:13 Also: I Corinthians 6:13.
It is an honor to serve and obey our worthy God. Pray and ask Him to show what you can do for Him. While waiting for God’s direction in your life, do whatever you see as a need. The desire to serve God in any capacity is the heart of intent He desires to use.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Good works and deeds will save no one from a tormenting eternity. However, if you are a born-again child of God (John 3:3), you should want to show gratitude and love towards the One who loves you so. Your heavenly “Daddy” desires you to serve Him. Will you happily be a vessel for Him to use?
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2
“A Christian should make a difference in this sinfully dark world! He is the only ‘light’ many will see!”
