D I W G

I began my college journey planning to become an engineer. It took only two quarters of study to realize I needed to major in something which did not require three years of calculus. In the years that followed, I came to realize I had an even more fundamental problem with this prospective career: I am mechanically disinclined. So much so that when I pull out a folding chair correctly, I go to my calendar and put a gold star by that day. (Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration – but not a whole lot.) So, DIY (“Do It Yourself”) projects are not something I look forward to.

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells the story of a man who had an enormous “DIY” project: tear down his existing barns and construct larger ones. In this parable, I do not believe Jesus is counseling against planning for the future. Rather, I think one of the Kingdom principles Jesus is pointing out to his disciples here is the folly (i.e. foolishness) of leaving God out of those plans.

Therefore – whether I’m writing an Insight someone might read; looking forward to a day at home; reluctantly attempting to replace a flapper valve in a toilet; or preparing for a thousand-mile photography outing – I try to make sure I DIWG (“Do It With God.”)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men.

– Colossians 3:23 (NIV)