As kids in the early 1970’s, my brother and I received Chip Away sculpting sets one Christmas. Each figurine started as a block of soft plastic that you chiseled down to the masterpiece beneath. I believe we carved athletes and circus animals. Best of all, each set included a mallet and chisel, which proved useful long after the figures sat forgotten.

I thought of Chip Away while reflecting on the cost of discipleship. Jesus said, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me…what good will it do to gain the whole world yet forfeit your soul? What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

These thoughts starkly oppose the philosophies of our world, especially considering the unceasing promotion of wealth and power and sex and possessions and personal fulfillment. In a few words Jesus opposes the messaging from every advertiser and promoter across the planet.

Heeding the constant call of self-fulfillment creates layers of bloat that harden into thick slabs of conceit. Piggishness and narcissism bury each of us. Only the hammer and chisel of the Lord—God’s Word and his Holy Spirit—crack the case entombing our soul.

After chopping away all the plastic, my brother and I put our toy sculptures on a shelf to admire. The stuff around the statues went into the trash. The junk I pursue with such ardor will eventually end up there as well.

Only our souls hold eternal value, so take your hammer and chisel and start chipping away.

Matthew 16 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo thanks to Sam’s Toy Box