Toy Stories: Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head — Real Roles vs. Interchangeable Parts - Thursday
Today’s Verse
Genesis 2:24
...a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. (NLT)
Ever finish a puzzle and realize you’re missing just one piece? Ugh! But just imagine what it would be like if the puzzle you’re working on was only made of two pieces. That single missing piece drastically hinders the beauty and completion of the whole picture. Part of it remains hidden, unknown, unrevealed. The pieces of a two-piece puzzle are complementary; they fit together perfectly and unveil the whole image. They're different but equally important to the entirety of the picture represented.
Today’s verse is often shared at weddings. Male and female, husband and wife, we are complementary to one another, just like that two-piece puzzle… and when we’re brought together, unified, a brilliant picture of Jesus is held up for the world to see. Without my bride, I’m like a treasure map ripped in half, missing the best part where “X” marks the treasure. But together, we help our kids, our extended family, and the world see what the union between Christ and His bride (the Church) can look like—albeit imperfectly, but that’s mostly my fault. Ha!
Our roles as husband and wife distinctly reflect part of the image of God—each beautifully so. But who gets to reflect which parts of God’s character? Are there solely masculine or feminine roles that we carry based on our gender? I am an encourager, a feeler, a responder, and an introvert. I don’t enjoy talking about football. I do like to work on cars. My beautiful bride is much more direct in communication than I am. She knows way more about Kentucky basketball than I ever will. She’s straight to the point, sharing her opinion quickly and clearly. And I absolutely love all of that about her!
These are differences God has chosen to create and nurture in each of us. The areas in which I’m strong, when added to her strengths, reveal a more complete picture of God. And our complementary nature is evident. We were made to fit each other. This truth is seen readily in a biblical, God-centered marriage.
APPLICATION
Scott reminded us Sunday that we each play a role in this divine drama of Christ and the Church. It’s a revolutionary gift to His people, and it’s one we can treasure or we can trample on. It’s up to us. Find one or more ways you can thank God for the way He designed each of us uniquely.
PRAYER
God, remind me of Your original design and desire for Your creation—including humanity. Teach me to humbly embrace how You’ve uniquely hardwired and gifted me to play my small role in Your greater redemptive biblical narrative.
