I’ll admit it, I’m a grown man who loves Lego. I’ve had a fascination with these little building bricks ever since I was child — building the sets, destroying the sets, then constructing whatever creation came to mind. I would spend hours playing with Lego.
As the sets have evolved, so has my affinity. Instead of getting lost in the worlds of castles and pirates, now I construct models that are meaningful to me in some way and display them in my office.
This past October my church gifted me a Lego set of the globe. Because of the busyness of the season, it wasn’t until after Christmas that I was able to sit down and build it. Over the next couple days, meticulously clicking together piece after piece, the Lego globe came to life, and I loved every second of it.
The song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” kept playing through my head, as well as the quote from John Wesley, “The world is my parish.” This will be a cornerstone of my Lego collection for sure.
In many ways, Lego has become the teacher of many life lessons for me. Here are a couple that might help you.
–Within the thousands of pieces there’s a beautiful piece of art. OK, “art” may be a stretch. Sometimes life feels like it’s just in a heap of pieces and it’s hard to see any form and function.
But as each piece begins to be put together, the chaos becomes less and the beauty of what’s being made emerges. Reminds me that no matter how many pieces my life may be in in any given moment, God sees the masterpiece He created me to be. As I move closer to Him I see it too. Read Ephesians 2:10.
–Following instructions is easier than making it up as you go. We are bombarded everyday with choices, accompanied by a multitude of people with a multitude of opinions as to what decision we should make. The next step in life isn’t always clear, but it is with Lego. Each step is defined and crucial to the next step, ultimately creating incredible models.
This reminds me that while we might not always know what the next step in life is, we do have an instruction book. Scripture helps us more fully know God and who we are in Him; following it will certainly make the next step easier and helping us become a reflection of Christ. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
–Eventually, it all comes together. The purpose of every Lego set is to be built, to become that which the Lego Creator envisioned. It helps that the picture of that vision is on the box; life isn’t always that obvious.
This reminds me that even when I can’t see it, God does have a plan for me. He created me with a purpose, and my responsibility is to discover it and to live it.
This process doesn’t necessarily happen quickly; it’s a process. Ultimately, this purpose should be on display so that world may see Jesus in and through us. Read Jeremiah 29:11.
As we jump into a new year, I invite you to embrace these Lego lessons. God is putting you together piece by piece, step by step; He has a plan and purpose for you.
I love the process of building the Lego sets, watching it come together.
Remember, we are all a work in process, but there will come a day in which the work is finished, and what a glorious day that will be. Read Philippians 1:6.
Ethan Maple is pastor of Mt. Comfort Church. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to [email protected].
