The Right Tool for the Job–Tape Measure and Ruler

 

When I was in grade school (1970’s) we were told that soon the “whole world would be metric” (and it probably is that way).  So teaching focused on the metric system.  Now, a few years down the road , Americans are still using inches and feet.  Needless to say, I’m not good at reading a ruler. 

When we were remodeling our house, measuring dry wall….my husband use to ask “hey, what is that measurement – how long is that?”  I hate to admit it, but I didn’t know.  I would say “well, it’s 2 hairs past the half mark.”  Al couldn’t believe that I didn’t know what “2 hairs past the half mark” was – I didn’t need to know it…he did…he was the one cutting the dry wall.  Truthfully, I still get confused – that dog gone metric system.

I LOVE primitive antiques and folk art.  They appeal to me because of the imperfections.  I create my art in the same manner – I don’t measure – therefore, no 2 are the same. 

I recently took a quilting class on the log cabin pattern.  I didn’t realize how important it was to measure exactly.  If you are off my just a little bit, the square won’t be square. 

This had me thinking about my postings about “The Right Tool for the Job” and linking up to Titus2sday.  I was thinking about the ruler and measurements.  Do I have the right tool for the job?  What does the Bible say about it? 

The first scripture that came to mind was Matt. 7 1-2:  “Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”  God doesn’t want us to measure each other or judge one another by a “standard” set forth by man or a church.  God is our ruler – think about that one – in authority (Ruler) and in conviction.  God is the one to measure us.  As our “Ruler” he will do so, for each of us will stand in his judgment.  Rom. 4: 10-12:  “But why dost thou judge thy brother?  or why dost thou set at naught thy brother?  for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee will bow to me and every tongue confess to God.  So then every one of us shall give an account to himself to God.”

God measures us by His grace.  Eph. 4:7: “But unto everyone of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”  God’s grace rather than our merits is the source of salvation – we are saved by grace – salvation is a gift – not earned.  Eph. 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

So, how do we measure up?  In Romans chapter 12, Paul writes how a Christian should live with the measure of faith and talents God gives us.  Rom 12: 3: “….according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”  Read the whole chapter, as there are too many good points. 

So, each of us are given grace, a measure of faith, a Bible as our guide and a merciful God that is in control and our Ruler.  Let’s not judge one another but rather follow the practical duties in Romans 12.  “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men.”  Romans 12:18. 

Let’s not measure each other but rather ourselves against the scriptures.   Blessings from Wisconsin.