Lessons from Legos
Steve’s R2D2 in lego format—and a lesson in building a Christian life
Each Christmas, I receive at least one gift that could be considered a toy. This long-standing family tradition signals that I’ve never fully grown up—and I’m okay with that! This year’s toy was a Lego R2-D2 kit with 1,079 pieces. If you’ve visited my office, you’ve probably noticed other Star Wars Lego kits from previous Christmases. As I assembled this year’s project, I realized that building Legos offers several lessons about the Christian life.
1. Foundations Matter
When I began opening the numbered bags of pieces, it quickly became clear that the early stages of the project looked nothing like the image on the box. The foundational structure was hidden yet essential for the finished product. If even one step of the inner framework was incorrect, it would create problems later. At times, I had to take sections apart to correct mistakes. But as I followed the instructions, piece by piece, the project began to take shape and eventually resembled something familiar.
Similarly, discipleship depends on a solid foundation. The unseen work we do—prayer, studying scripture, cultivating integrity—is critical to a mature Christian life. Others may not see this groundwork, but it determines how our journey unfolds and shapes our capacity to grow as followers of Christ.
2. Discipleship Is a Process
Building Legos is a step-by-step journey. Each completed section is an accomplishment worth celebrating, yet it’s just one part of the larger process. Occasionally, I step away from the project for a day or two, only to return and carefully review what I’ve already built before starting the next section.
In the same way, Christianity is not a momentary decision but a lifelong commitment. It’s a way of living guided by the Spirit of God and the example of Jesus. Along the way, we’ll have victories to celebrate and mistakes to correct, but these are all part of the process.
3. Trust in the Mystery
As I build Lego sets, I trust that each packet contains the pieces I need to complete the section at hand. Often, I find a few extra small pieces included as a safeguard. On rare occasions, I’m convinced a piece is missing—only to discover it later, hiding under something or on the floor.
This reminds me of the mystery of faith. God provides what we need to navigate life, even when the path is unclear. Faith means trusting in God’s provision and guidance, even when we don’t see the full picture or understand the outcome. Our Christian lives are built from countless small experiences—both joyful and challenging—that shape us into disciples who are always "in progress."
Pastor Steve Lewis