Perfect Pictures

I heard a great teaching yesterday. Our Pastor, displaying great wisdom, asked our Children’s Ministry leader Heather to preach. She is not a “preacher” by profession but confirmed by her talk the truth of much I have long believed.

We all have a story. Heather delightfully told the story of a mother of four struggling to do God’s will. Her story was full of honest tales from real life. They boldly set forth her own imperfections and the continuing ability of God to bring good out of all things.

God shines through our imperfections. I am bothered by those who focus on our need to be “holy” and “perfect.” I read the scriptures to teach that while both are laudable goals; they are not reached in our lives here on earth and that’s part of God’s plan. His plan is not for us to feel like failures because we don’t measure up, but to rejoice that we can be used in our imperfection. Heather’s talk greatly illustrated this.

It is important that we walk forward with the Lord. It makes a real difference to those around us. Although we won’t be perfect in this life; that’s no reason not to move forward. One of the bravest things Heather shared was the difference in her children who were raised when she wasn’t walking with the Lord to those who have had the benefit of Christ Following Parents for their whole life. Notice I didn’t say “holy” although I think holy applies. Holy doesn’t mean spotless. It means set aside for a godly purpose. Once we are His we are set a side for a Godly purpose. We aren’t perfect, just side aside for the fulfillment of His holy will. In following that will, He moves us toward perfect.

It’s all about God’s grace. His grace draws us to Himself. His grace redeems us. His grace sustains us once we are redeemed.

To the redeemed there are no problems, only opportunities. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to acknowledge our inability to cope on our own and God’s willingness to step in and help.

I can’t say I learned any great new truth from Heather. I think great new truths are over rated. I got a charming confirmation of what I already knew. It was a reminder I greatly need.

Thanks Heather and thanks Pastor for letting it happen.

Be blessed.

Nick