Lesson From a Car Model

Romans 1:1-6 (NIV)

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

When growing up I remember going to the toy store and picking out a model to make. Then we would get home and my brothers and I would work on our individual models hoping to have it look like something when we were done.

I'm sure technology has dampened the model car industry, but it was once a booming business that interested millions of young boys. Putting model cars together required patience, time and the ability to understand complicated instructions. Having some mechanical knowledge about cars also helped. Super glue had been invented but wasn't sold commercially like at present. Model car glue was required, and it took hours to dry. Many of the parts were small, making it difficult to fit them in the correct places. They took a lot of patients and mechanically ability.

As model cars were small replicas of the actual things, Paul was a spiritual model to believers in Thessalonica and they became models for others. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 1:3).

Believers have the exciting privilege of being L. J.'s (little Jesus'). Our lives can be constructed as closely to his as humanly possible. Attitudes, motives, words and thoughts should be glued together carefully with attributes that reflect our Heavenly Father. Satan wants us act like L. D.'s (little Devil's), and only God can provide the wisdom and power we need to say and do the right thing on a regular basis.

Faithful work in God's big mechanic shop and loving those we work on helps us build models that will transport God's love throughout the world. Let God make you a model for others.

Dear Lord, help us to model Your love before others. Help them see Your love in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.