“The Jell-O* or the Mold?”

 

When Karen and I were growing up both our mothers had a number of pans with interesting designs into which they’d pour hot Jell-O for special dinners. As it cooled the gelatin took the form of the pan and when put on a plate made an attractive addition to the culinary delights on the table. These molds are long gone but the memories remain.

I’ve shared how nine men in my family, some young and others older, made great contributions to my life and ministry by their words and examples. In these cases I was the Jell-O and they were the molds. God used each of them in a unique way to teach me and shape my life. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” I thank God for each of these men who sharpened me and pray I’ll never forget what I learned from them.

But when it comes to my impact on the world my role changes from being the Jell-O to the mold. The Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold….” (Romans 12:2, Phillips). So as we grow in faith and become more like Jesus He wants us to be the shapers, not the shaped; the influencers, not the influenced; the molders, not the molded. If we’re not careful we can become desensitized like the frog in the kettle and become like the world God’s called us to change. How do we keep this from happening? Romans 12:2 goes on to say, “…but let God remold your minds from within….” (Phillips). An old hymn asks Him to “Mold me and make me after Thy will….” I want this to be my prayer so I can fulfill His purpose for my life as He works in me.

Thanks—Dave, Nate, Dave, Uncle Al, Dad, Grandpa, Buster, Rick, and Dad—for making a difference and being the molds for the Jell-O of my life. I love you all!

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

 

* Jell-O is a registered trademark of Kraft Foods