The Lab of Life

This topic, "The Lab of Life," crossed my mind a few weeks ago.

Having been employed in the medical laboratory for several years as a technologist, I thought it fascinating to imagine that, just as scientists use various tools in a laboratory to understand and shape the natural world, an analogy could be made with regard to how God, our Creator, might also use different "tools" to work with and within humanity. These tools could be the events and experiences that shape our lives.

And so, my research began.

In this blog article, I chose to use a few basic equipment, that are found in a conventional laboratory, to illustrate my concept:

1. The Oven: representing trials and tribulations

• Lab use: An oven applies heat to materials, altering their properties, removing moisture, or initiating chemical reactions.

• Divine use: The "oven" for humanity can represent trials and tribulations, like the refiner's fire mentioned in Malachi 3:2-3. This imagery suggests that through difficult experiences, humanity (or individuals) can be tested, purified, and transformed. Just as heat removes impurities from metal, hardships can refine character and strengthen faith. The idea is that God uses such pressures to burn away "dross" or impurities, leaving behind a purer, more valuable essence.

  
  

2. The Crucible: representing suffering and shaping

• Lab use: A crucible is a vessel designed to withstand intense heat, allowing for the smelting of metals or the separation of components.

• Divine use: The "crucible" symbolizes periods of suffering or intense hardship that test and ultimately shape human character. Proverbs 17:3 uses the metaphor of a crucible for silver and a furnace for gold to describe how the Lord tests hearts. The intense heat represents the challenges faced, while the crucible itself signifies the containment or environment in which this transformative process takes place. Like the metal refined in the crucible, enduring suffering can lead to greater strength, resilience, and spiritual maturity.

  
  

3. The Bunsen Burner: representing specific challenges or awakenings

• Lab use: A Bunsen burner provides a controlled flame for heating substances, sometimes for quick reactions or localized heating.

• Divine use: The "Bunsen burner" could be analogous to specific divine interventions or events that spark rapid change or illuminate hidden aspects of humanity. This might represent moments of revelation, intense spiritual trials, or specific challenges that require immediate action or lead to a quick transformation. It suggests focused intensity, drawing out particular reactions or bringing certain aspects to the forefront.

4. The Microscope: revealing intricate details

• Lab use: A microscope magnifies and reveals the unseen details of the world, from cells to microorganisms.

• Divine use: The "microscope" can symbolize how a divine power reveals hidden truths and insights about humanity and the world. Through revelation, introspection, or specific events, a deeper understanding of oneself, purpose, and the divine plan may be gained. It can also represent the detailed attention paid to seemingly insignificant aspects of creation, similar to a scientist meticulously studying a microscopic organism.

  
  

5. Forceps: for delicate handling and correction

• Lab use: Forceps are used for carefully grasping, manipulating, or moving delicate items without causing damage.

• Divine use: The "forceps" can represent gentle, yet precise, interventions in the lives of individuals or the course of humanity. This can involve guiding, redirecting, or subtly influencing events, potentially correcting wrong paths or extracting individuals from harmful situations. The Bible speaks of a firm yet gentle grip on those who trust, ensuring they are not broken and can withstand pressure.

  
  

6. Measuring Cylinder: quantifying and assessing growth

• Lab use: A measuring cylinder precisely measures the volume of liquids.

• Divine use: The "measuring cylinder" can symbolize how a divine power observes and assesses human progress, spiritual growth, and adherence to divine principles. It suggests a careful evaluation of where humanity stands in relation to divine standards, and can also signify the unique measure or purpose each individual holds in the divine plan, reminding us not to compare ourselves to others but focus on individual callings. The Bible mentions that God is the standard of righteousness, not humanity's varying measuring sticks.

  
  

7. Balance Scale: weighing and dispensing justice

• Lab use: A balance scale precisely measures the weight or mass of substances, ensuring accuracy and fairness.

• Divine use: The "balance scale" represents divine justice and fairness, and humanity's accountability for its actions. The Bible emphasizes the importance of honest scales and just weights, reflecting God's delight in truthfulness and His detestation of deceit. It suggests that actions and intentions are weighed against a divine standard, and consequences are dispensed accordingly. Some interpretations suggest that on judgment day, people are either consumed by God's holiness due to their sin or are saved by trusting in Jesus Christ.

  
  

8. Thermometer: reflecting the spiritual climate

• Lab use: A thermometer measures temperature, indicating the degree of heat or cold.

• Divine use: The "thermometer" can represent the current spiritual climate or condition of individuals or society. It reflects the degree of adherence to divine principles, love, faith, or spiritual fervor. Some individuals act like "thermometers," reflecting the spiritual temperature of their surroundings, while others act like "thermostats," influencing and setting the spiritual tone through their actions and adherence to God's word. The law can be seen as a "thermometer" that reveals sin, but the Gospel provides the "medicine" needed to overcome it.

  
  

By using these analogies, it's possible to explore how a sovereign God might interact with humanity in multifaceted ways, involving observation, guidance, assessment, correction, and transformation, all working towards His divine purpose. May we be malleable, flexible and submissible to be usable in God's Lab of Life.