Fitting into God’s Puzzle?

Studying the Bible has taught me to think in big picture terms more than my normal way of getting caught up in details. One definition says that big-picture thinkers focus on overarching goals, vision, and strategy (the "what" and "why"), often being creative and visionary but potentially missing details while detail-oriented individuals focus on specifics, accuracy, and tasks (the "how"), excelling at execution but risking tunnel vision. 

Both are crucial for success, with big-picture people setting direction and detail-oriented people ensuring flawless implementation. I’m noticing that seeing the big picture is helpful. I’ve a tendency to think that knowing truth is enough (without applying it) yet seeing the will of God that goes with that truth makes application a stronger focus.

Paul’s NT books are written with the big picture first, then the details of applying it. Ephesians  is a good example. It begins with God’s major plan:

In (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7–10)

In planning to unite all things in Christ, God saves sinners with the purpose of revealing His glory:

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11–14)

Then He tells how sinners giving Him glory will happen. He will give His people the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation to know Him, and to know what will happen to us. He wants us to realize the riches of our glorious inheritance, and the greatness of His power, which is revealed by raising Christ from the dead, by seating Him in heavenly places, and putting all things under his feet as He made Him head over all things including the church which is His body, a group who were dead in sin but made alive in Christ. We are saved by grace and fitted to do His will — which will reveal His power and glory.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8–10)

This vast plan includes details. One is that all who believe will have access in one Spirit to the Father. We will be united as members of His household and built on the truth He reveals using us as a dwelling place for Himself so that His wisdom is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:9–10)

This is awesome. Church is not a social club nor a moral hideaway, but God’s way of making Himself known to a dark world. He does it by loving us so we can love others. He tells us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love — so we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He wants us to live in that oneness, yet also recognize our diversity as our differences give us varying tasks toward revealing His glory.
 
Unity is vital. God is not a mess of parts with opposition happening. As His Body, we are to work in harmony and do it by putting off our old self, which belongs to our former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed by putting on the new self, which is according to His likeness. That means we behave to fit the plan, refusing to allow bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander or malice be part of our lives. Instead, He says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:30–32) In attending to these details, we fit the big picture plan of God. 

PRAY: Jesus, getting too caught up in details can mean excusing the “oops” that I make as not vital, but the vision of a puzzle with pieces missing just popped into my head. You are a God of order and detail, yet You also have a magnificent plan for this world You made and everything I say or do either fits that plan or not. Enable me to think of Your goals and not let my plans or my interest in details distract me and become pieces that do not fit.