In all my Imperfection

“…For the message he declared by the word of the Lord against the altar in Bethel and against all the shrines on the high places in the towns of Samaria will certainly come true.” (1 Kings 13:32 NIV84)

1 Kings 13 contains an unusual story about a remarkable prophet. By the end of the chapter he is disobedient and dies; but verse 32 tells us “The message he declared will still come true”.

I am so glad God uses me in all my imperfection, and that while I am so fallible, still the gold of the goodness of heaven can also flow through my life.

I’m also aware I need to award that same standard of grace to others. Though not perfect, people can still have “the word of The Lord” for me. You can find God’s wisdom in some really messy situations and messed up people! One prophet even found God’s word in the mouth of an Ass! (Numbers 22)

So be careful how you judge today. Let mercy triumph over judgement. Show a lot of love, even (especially!?) to backslidden friends and fallen heroes.

And look closely and openly for God’s wisdom, even through imperfect vessels. Perhaps if the Church were kinder to it’s fallen, the world might sit up & take notice; After all, our Perfect Leader said “They will know you are my disciples, by your love”.