I’m sure you have heard it said, “If the only tool you have in your belt is a hammer then everything you see is a nail.” I’m sure as leaders and as parents we have swung the hammer a few times.
Hypothetically speaking, if we could choose one tool to use most frequently when dealing with co-workers, bosses, team members and yes, even our children, what would it be?
Before you run a list or head over to the Home Depot let me offer a suggestion and a few reason why the Crescent Wrench is the best choice.
7 Reminders From The Crescent Wrench
1. It Tightens
“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 MSG
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench reminds us to tighten things that are a little loose.
What We Can Learn
One of the biggest areas that needs tightening in my life, and in most of my friends lives, is the calendar. Simply put, it’s a little loose. Tightening up our schedule and creating a little margin could be just what the doctor ordered.
2. It Loosens
“Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners' chains came loose.” Acts 16:26 GWT
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench reminds me that some things need to be loosened in my life.
What We Can Learn
God can loosen us from whatever is tying us down. Is there something holding us back from being all we can be? Do we feel chained down to past hurts or habits and can’t seem to find freedom? What, specifically, can we ask God to loosen in our lives that will bring us a joy filled life?
3. It’s Simple
“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”
Palms 119:130 NAS
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench is a tool that is simple and useful.
What We Can Learn
Live simple and reduce clutter. A simple life is an easier life. Why? Lack of clutter. Push notifications, text messages and social media all “ding” or crave our attention. The crescent wrench is a great reminder of a simple tool that simply does what it was designed to do. How about you?What simple message do we need to be reminded of today?
4. It Has A Strong Side
“Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. So don't be afraid. The Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go." Joshua 1:9 ICB
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench has a strong side to withstand the pressure placed on it.
What We Can Learn
Strength, courage, bravery. Not easy words to practice in the face of pain, difficulty and fear but, as a child of God, we have a strong side. Not because of anything we do but because of who does it with us! What area of life is God reminding me to be strong?
5. It Has A Weak Side
"My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 ICB
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench has a weak side to allow for an adjustable grip.
What We Can Learn
The crescent wrench can only function if it has a weak side. There are two sides to the grip of a recent wrench and it simply can not function without it. The same is true for each of us. God’s power shows up best in our weakness. What area do you feel weakest in right now? Being transparent? Being vulnerable? Being open? Go ahead and share that weakness. I’m reminded that’s where God shows His power best.
6. It’s Adjustable
“To those who are weak, I became weak so that I could help save them. I have become all things to all people. I did this so that I could save some of them in any way possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 ICB
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench reminds me that I need to make adjustments throughout my day. because life never shows up “according to plan.”
What We Can Learn
I need to make adjustments throughout my day because life never shows up according to plan. God always allows interruptions or “divine” appointments to flow into our lives. Our opportunity to make an adjustment in order to help or encourage someone that “wasn’t on our calendar.”
7. It’s Quiet
“If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
The Nuts And Bolts
The Crescent Wrench reminds me that I don’t need to be loud to make a difference.
What We Can Learn
Serving “loud” is rarely rewarded by God, or others for that matter. We can be the smartest, quickest, cutest, funniest, or most charismatic, people magnet helping, serving, leading others yet if we don’t have love…a quiet love, then we are nothing. What can we do to serve quietly today in a noisy, look at me world?
Question:
Which of the 7 reminders resonates most with you today? How will you “live it out” this week?