4:326 – Level Before You Hit Print

#faithbites #faithjourney level

Setting

I love to 3D print. The idea of taking plastic and making it into objects that people can appreciate and use is amazing. Most people don’t realize that 3D printing has a lot of failures. There are many times when a failure happens right away or it could be hours into the print. These failures can be devastating. Sometimes you stop the print and start over, other times you let it go and fix it later. The number one cause of 3D print failures is when your bed isn’t level. The surface that you print on is the bed. If it isn’t level, the print may not stick, it may slide, you may see parts stick and others slide, it’s possible that you don’t see the issue until much later. Some people say you should level before every print. Some say that set it and forget it. For me, I try to check regularly as I’ve been burned too often.

Our life is like this. Sometimes we check in with God often and are set for the day. Other times, we go a long time without His Word and checking in and things get wonky. Sometimes, we make a decision without his input and fail right away. The key is we need to level ourselves through faith and the word to ensure our best chance for success.

Scripture

• Proverbs 4:26 (BSB) – Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
• Proverbs 143:10 (NIV) – Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
• John 8:12 (ESV) – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Reflection

Sometimes the Bible can be confusing, other times it’s perfectly clear. Here are 3 examples that are very clear. We need a level path that is led by God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus. Jesus tells us that if we follow him, we will not walk in darkness. We have to have a strong foundation (like the man who built his house on the rock).

Like in 3D printing, sometimes you don’t see that you had an unlevel bed until much later in the print. Sure, you could stop and start over, but you’ve lost the time and materials. You can choose to make it better through primer, sanding, patience, and paint. Jesus provides all of that through his forgiveness and resurrection power. No need to cancel and start over.

As we close, remember that we need to be on the same page with God before we start, daily, and when we make decisions. He will make our path level.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the light of the world. Thank you for saving us. Lord, we pray that you help us level and stay level with you from now until we meet you. We need your guidance, support, and love. We pray this in your name, Amen.