DIY or DIG

Intending to create a “diaper tricycle” for a baby shower, I began to search online for the directions. I was stunned to find the amount of Do It Yourself craft sites that are available. I was able to find an image of the tricycle I had seen, find the directions and copy down the supply list to shop for the required items.

DIY (Do it yourself) has become the latest craze in recent years. From home improvement projects, to crafts and gifts, to chef quality meals, DIY is the modern way to get things done. Major retail chains have sprung up catering to home improvement projects. Craft store chains sell all the supplies you could want or need. Websites can be found with pictures, step by step directions and even videos for any type of project. The DIY'er has immediate access to everything necessary.

DIY! Do it yourself! It seems to be the cry of our age. It can be a good way to learn things and save money. But often people may attempt projects they are not trained or equipped to handle. Projects can be more difficult and exhausting that anticipated. The end results can be inferior and sometimes require being ripped up and redone. It takes wisdom to know when to allow someone with training to take on the project.

As I searched for my diaper tricycle, I was amazed at how common the term DIY has become and how many websites are dedicated to these projects. I also thought of how much this term can apply to the life in general, even for believers in Jesus Christ. How often do we take on projects in this life and simply assume that we can achieve the desired results with our own strength? We can attempt to change ourselves or have the great plan to help others. Because God directs us to do something, does not mean He leaves us alone to do it by ourselves.

Our motto should be DIG - Do it with God! Everything He directs us to do, He provides the power and instructions on how to accomplish the task. The Holy Spirit is a constant companion and power source for any God inspired task. Jesus promised that he would not leave us alone but send the Holy Spirit. “If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever” (John 14:15-16 AMP) He has come to live in us. “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19AMP)

Consider all the resources that are available to us in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) Our prerequisite is to love and obey the commands of Jesus and all the power of God is available to us. He must be the director and the power source for our spiritual home improvement projects. We do not simply sit back and do nothing. We allow Him to direct and we provide the ‘grunt’ labor at His direction. He will provide all we need and He will be responsible for the finished product. Character built in our lives will only come by God’s leadership and power.

When we serve others, we must also follow the DIG pattern for life. Self-sacrificing, altruistic service can only provide some assistance to others. It can exhaust the giver and actually hinder the work of God in a receiver’s life. Seeking the direction the Holy Spirit is the way to be completely effective in helping others. He knows what each person needs and will direct us to the precise words and actions to take. Following the Holy Spirit’s lead will assure that we have the strength to follow through in our service to God and others. The end results will be a joy at fulfilling God’s plan and a blessing to others.

The apostle Paul gave us great instructions to live a DIG lifestyle. “Hold fast and follow the pattern of wholesome and sound teaching which you have heard from me, in [all] the faith and love which are [for us] in Christ Jesus. Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.” (2 Timothy 1:13 –14 AMP) We follow the Bible’s teaching. In faith and love we guard what has been entrusted to us, always relying on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Strive to be known, not for your great DIY projects, rather for your DIG lifestyle. Your life will run more smoothly and your joy will be complete.