The Amish Carpenter

The Amish Carpenter

Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.

Psalm 127:1

Amish-made furniture. Just the name evokes images of finely crafted products. There are numerous Amish businesses that take a piece from tree to showroom. Amish lumber mills and woodworking shops are also growing in popularity. Instead of using electricity, many of these workshops run simple tools with hand power or even bicycle power! More progressive Amish workshops use hydraulic power, and some even use diesel generators to run their tools. If you drive through Amish country, you’ll commonly see Amish workshops in buildings a short distance from Amish homes, with signs posted welcoming visitors.

In addition to furniture, the Amish have a good reputation for their carpentry and construction skills. They are known to work hard and do an expert job for a reasonable wage. There are trade catalogs and business directories that highlight Plain companies. Some Amish businesses even hire other businesses to sell their products online.

No matter what jobs we work in—or what our reputation is—we must remember that all knowledge, ability, and strength come from God. First Corinthians 1:24 says, “To those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

We can set to work at our tasks. We can have a fine reputation and a history of fine products, but the truth is, unless the Lord builds a home—or a home-building business—we labor in vain.

It’s easy to focus on our education, our training, or our experience, but we must always turn our attention back to God. We do all things through Him, with Him, and for Him. To think otherwise is only vanity.

Dear heavenly Father, I know the very breath I breathe is from You. Thank You for the strength I have to handle my daily work and daily tasks. Build Your house through me today, Lord.