"A Chip Off The Old Block”
By Low Wye Mun
If you’re old enough, you will remember this expression! It was usually said as a compliment to someone meaning that he/she (the chip) showed the character and behaviour of his/her father or mother (the old block).
It brings to mind whether we, as Christians, are seen as chips off the mighty stone block that is Jesus, our “chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20).
From ancient times, the cornerstone was the first stone placed in the construction of a building. It served two vital functions: the foundation upon which the other stones and building materials would firmly rest, and the reference point from which the rest of the building found alignment.
We know that God has given us Jesus as “a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16). While reflecting on just how privileged we are to have such a precious gift, our foundation should be based on an awareness of who Jesus really is. This comes from deliberate and dedicated study of the Bible, not just reading but also internalising, as the Holy Spirit guides our understanding.
Done in quiet times alone, in gatherings with others, through preaching and sharing, we come to know God. This knowledge helps to build an increasing awareness of His steadfast and unconditional love which we see in even the very smallest blessing of each day. Through this, our sensing of His presence grows, and along with it so does the faith upon which we build our lives.
Through knowing God, we are led to align our lives with His standards and directions. We learn to be people who don’t just trust God, but also to be those who “walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them” (Ezekiel 11:20). However demanding some of those commands may appear — especially amidst trials and hardships that stretch our patience, love and faith — we know that God is showing us the way in which we should live our lives.
With our spiritual foundation in place and our ways aligned to God, we learn to become more like Jesus, fulfilling what the apostle Paul wrote, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). So that wherever we are on our personal journey of holiness, we might be seen to bear His likeness in our thoughts, attitudes, behaviour and actions.
A chip off the old block?
Oh, that we might be seen to be even the tiniest of chips off the glorious block that is our Cornerstone: Jesus.
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