Puzzle Pieces

Coming to Him, a living stone—rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God—  you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2: 4-5

 

When I read this, I suddenly saw this puzzle box with the most beautiful picture on the cover. In that box is an overwhelming number of pieces needed to form this glorious picture. It’s a picture the owner can’t wait to see all put together because the image is something worth looking at. Therefore, every little piece is necessary since it contributes to the beauty of the final product. That’s us, the church. Individually, we’re the puzzle pieces, or living stones, that are chosen and necessary no matter how small a part we play in the overall picture. Our gifts, our God-given insights and our lives matter. Without just one of us, the picture just doesn't quite look complete.  

 

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (Verse 9) And this is our purpose-- to reflect the glory of God and proclaim His goodness. Those who were once in darkness and now see the light cannot help but speak of His glory and goodness. We cannot help but be excited about our freedom because we know all too well what it’s like to be lost. 

 

“As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.” (Verse 16)

Our faces shine brightly, like Moses’ once did, from the time we’re spending in His light. Even though we’re in this world, we’re obviously not of it. But we aren’t exempt from life’s pains – except they serve a different purpose in the believer’s heart. They serve to remind us of life’s temporal nature. They remind us to take nothing for granted and to savor every piece of God we get to see in the here and now, knowing that this is only the beginning.

 

“Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you.” (Verse 11)

We’re different. And in ways, we’re the same. When we live like we’re free, because we are, people take notice. It’s rare to see someone carry themselves with peace, a unique confidence, and in a loving and humble manner. The kind of peace we have the privilege of carrying has no room for pride and selfishness. The peace of Jesus is very distinct, and not of this world. His peace sets us free to try and try again. It unchains us from the condemnation of our sins and mistakes so we can afford to be adventurous with God. It moves us forward in love and without fear.

 

You are here as a valuable piece of the puzzle, an important living stone, that is necessary to complete the big picture. This means that your gifting matters and is crucial to the whole body. Your insight, derived from a relationship with God, is important to all of us. Sometimes you don’t feel very valuable, and we all have that struggle. But I challenge you to take the truth over your feelings. I challenge you to use your gifts without regret, share your insights and continue to be a working part of community so that, when the puzzle comes together, the image you bear of your Creator, shines through. Live like you’ve been set free and if you haven’t, what better time to seek freedom than now?