Once upon a time, a friend of mine who was a plumber, asked me, “Don, what would you think is the most misused and abused tool in the world?” I had no idea. His answer? The screwdriver!

Screwdrivers (originally called screwturners) come in all types and sizes. The essential feature is the design of the tip—it has to match the design of the particular screw head. 

How are screwdrivers misused and abused?

Manufacturers make screwdrivers for one purpose—to drive and remove screws!

But why are they often misused and abused? Because most people own one or more, and they are so handy and versatile! One tool can do lots of things! When people don't have the ideal tool they need, they often turn to the trusty screwdriver.

Screwdrivers can be destructive, like for vandalism or as a weapon. But most common misuses are quite benign: as a scraper (like to scrape dried paint off of a surface), as a stirrer (like to stir paint), as a pry tool (like to pry the lid off of a paint can), as a wedge (like to help remove a pin from a door hinge), as a chisel (like to chip away wood), as a punch (to make a hole), as a pick (to chop ice), as a digger (to break up the soil in a flower pot), as a marking tool (to mark a line for sawing when you lack a pencil), as a handle (to get a better grip on a rope), and as an electrical conductor (to make an electrical connection). And many a worker has stirred his coffee with his screwdriver.

Most misuses are harmless to the screwdriver, but screwdrivers can break or get rusty. And the tips can wear down so the screwdriver can no longer drive screws. Of course, ruining a screwdriver is no calamity. In fact, if the “misuse” was sufficiently beneficial, the owner will not mind buying another screwdriver.

In what ways are we misusing our lives?

The Almighty Creator God meticulously planned, designed and created human beings for a very great purpose! What is that purpose and destiny? The answer is awesome—it far exceeds most people’s imaginations. It is described in our free booklet Why Were You Born? This booklet is a must-read to grasp the big picture of God’s grand master plan for humanity! And once you understand your purpose, God holds you accountable for fulfilling that purpose.

Screwdrivers can be used for many actions, but human beings “use” themselves for an endless variety of actions! Humans are incredibly capable, handy, versatile and useful (full of uses). It seems we can do anything and everything. And that makes it incredibly easy and tempting to do lots of things that distract us and sidetrack us from our fulfilling our God-given purpose

The parable of the sower

Some screwdrivers are never used for their intended purpose—to drive screws. No big deal! However, our Creator will be very disappointed and displeased if we don't fulfill our purpose. And eventually we’ll be in big trouble if we fail to fulfill our purpose.

Jesus Christ commands His disciples to “bear good fruit” and to “bear much [spiritual] fruit” (Matthew 7:15-20; John 15:8). God expects our lives to be abundantly fruitful.

The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-23 is highly instructive, particularly the example of the seed sown among thorns. Jesus explained it in verse 22: "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”

Notice the parallel accounts in Mark 4 and Luke 8. Mark 4:19 includes "the desires for other things." Luke 8:14 says "choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life."

The “thorns” (weeds) represent both sinful and non-sinful activities. The point is that even too many of the “harmless” activities will “choke” the fruit-bearing activities. Most people are too busy. They need to simplify their lives.

Countless things are interesting to me. But I’ll tell you what helps me to say “no” to the temptations to get sidetracked. I say to myself: “Don, you don’t need to worry about missing out on an opportunity to do something interesting. You will have plenty of time in the next life!”

Staying focused doesn’t mean asceticism

Staying focused on our God-given purpose does not require asceticism. God’s Word warns against such extreme self-denial and self-abuse (Colossians 2:21; 1 Timothy 4:1-5). To maintain healthy bodies and minds, God knows we need education, a livelihood, good nutrition, rest, sleep, exercise, family time, recreation, variety, etc. But all of those things should be subordinate to and supportive of our ultimate spiritual goals.

We are tempted to misuse and abuse our bodies, minds and time

Our bodies are the pinnacle of God’s engineering and art! Humans have a far greater variety and range of abilities than any other creature. But it’s up to each of us to be good stewards to take care of what God has given us. To maintain energy, strength and flexibility, we must pursue good health habits.

Our amazing minds are unbelievably superior to animal brains because God created us in His image and gave us the “spirit of man” (Genesis 1:26-27; Zechariah 12:1). Our minds and bodies belong to God, so be super careful about what you allow to enter them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Stay close to God so He “will guard your hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:6-7; also Proverbs 4:23). And then use your mind and heart to obey and serve God and His people.

Life is time, and time flies. Wasting time is a misuse of our short lives. I certainly regret the time I’ve wasted. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, English Standard Version). How a person spends his time is strong evidence of his priorities. Every day we make innumerable decisions. How will I use this day? What can I accomplish that will be pleasing to God?

Is God number one in your life? Every day we face the gargantuan temptation to let God slide to second, third or fourth place. We face countless distractions and attractions that tempt us to stray off the single God-given path. It’s tempting to major in the minors—the trivial pursuits that are largely mundane and materialistic. Flee those temptations and keep God as number one!

Think about the screwdriver

Remember that Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to “bear good fruit” and to “bear much fruit.” For a moment, compare your life with a screwdriver. In fact, a power screwdriver. Imagine that God made you to drive screws. He doesn’t expect you to be driving screws every minute of every day. And He doesn’t mind you using your abilities for some alternative or extracurricular uses as long as they are not sinful or harmful.

But ask yourself these questions: How many screws did I drive yesterday? How many are getting driven today? How many will I drive tomorrow?