THE PUZZLE PIECE
Specifically designed Uniquely shaped
Purposeful
Every puzzle piece in its place
Except one
One lone missing piece
Without it the puzzle’s beauty is tarnished
The void becomes the focal point
Instead of joy there’s distraction Unfinished
Incomplete
Ineffective
Look around. We are each as different as, well, puzzle pieces. Some may appear to be similar, but no two people are alike. Ephesians 2:10 says we are each God’s masterpiece, his handwork, created for his good purpose.
Yet, sometimes we don’t accept our worth in Christ. We look at another person — another puzzle piece if you will — and worry we’re not as talented, gifted or smart as someone else.But God handcrafted each one of us to uniquely fit in the big puzzle of his church family, and use our gifts to enhance and complement others. Satan would like nothing more than for us to wrap ourselves up in self-pity or envy, wishing we were like someone else, instead of asking God who HE created us to be, uniquely designed for a good purpose.
My son was a film major — as were most of his college friends. While their diplomas are alike, each one has unique giftings. One oozes creativity and establishes the vision and direction. Another is creative in a different way, juggling all the production details. One is technically skilled at cinematography and lighting. Yet another has a unique ability to design a film world with sets, costumes and colors. The degrees on their diplomas are the same, but they each bring something unique to a project.
And so it is with the body of Christ. When we embrace who God created us to be, we allow him to use us in the void hecreated us to fill within the church family.
As Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy, growing and full of love.”
LIVE THE STORY: How has God gifted you? Is there something that comes easily to you where others may struggle? Ask God to help you identify your gifting and how he wants to use you uniquely on purpose for a good purpose.
Lord, thank you for generously giving me a special gift to use for your glory and to enhance the body of Christ. Give me your wisdom to know what it is and your clarity to see how to use this gift for your good purpose. Amen.
Cyndie Claypool de Neve
Senior Creative Director