Trophies And ToolsSample

## TOOLS (Part 1) I don’t know about you, but I often underestimate the value that tools have. It’s easy to become driven when you see a trophy because everyone wants to win a big shiny trophy. It drives us to work harder, practice longer, and endure more. My dad on the other hand loves his tools more than his trophies. He sees the value in having the right tools for the job and having them available to build something the right way, so it will last. When I was a young boy I would often borrow my dad’s tools (most of the time without asking) and would later receive an important loving lecture about replacing them when I’m finished. As Christians I think that we need to spend more time inventorying our spiritual gifts and tools. What we think is a trophy may actually be intended to be used a tool. Yesterday we talked about how we can use our trophies to reach others. Today I want us to realize the trophies we take off the shelf can also be used as tools. We should be proud of the spiritual gifts and tools we’re given but tools were created to be different than trophies. We don’t spend time polishing or displaying tools. We spend time sharpening them, we spend time using them to build, and we spend time pushing them to their full potential. In the same way, our spiritual gifts and tools aren’t effective unless we use them, sharpen them, build others up with them, and use them in ways to get the most out of them. Focus: What is a spiritual gift or tool that The Lord has given you that you need to treat less like a trophy? Pray for The Lord to help you sharpen that gift and to be able to see the right job for that specific tool.