The Parable of the Scrambled Eggs

One Sunday morning I was preparing scrambled eggs for our Sunday morning Bible Study. It was a simple task I’d done many times before. I readied all my supplies and began by cracking the eggs on the counter before placing them in the bowl.  After successfully cracking several eggs, I reached for another. As soon as I whacked it on the counter, it completely fell apart in my hand and spilled all over the counter.  I scooped it up and threw it in the garbage before moving on to another egg. A pattern soon emerged where every other egg would fall apart and have to be thrown away.  After I dumped the third egg into the trash can, I simply asked the Lord, “What is going on here?”

Over the years I’ve learned that when God wants to get my attention, He often speaks the message two or three times. After asking the question, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “You are using the same pressure on all the eggs, but it is too much for some. Some require a lighter touch. When you speak to the people this morning, remember these words.”  After this brief conversation, I returned to cracking my eggs.  Not another one was lost. I had been handling the eggs in the same way, for the same purpose and with the same outcome in mind. But God was asking me to adjust my methods and lighten my approach for some of His people. This simple object lesson has remained in the forefront of my mind since that time and continues to influence the way I interact with God’s people.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12)