The Wildly Imperfect

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
******************************

There is one type of craftsman in the world who chooses the finest wood when beginning a project.  He finds pristine, unblemished lengths of beautifully smooth material. He is the Perfectionist.

There is another type who selects the rough-hewn planks with knots and burls throughout.  He seeks out the pieces which other artisans would cast aside.  He is the Recycler.

I am so glad God is like the Recycler.  He sees value in what others disdain.  In Him, we see how the imperfections in each of us allow His glory to shine through.  When Christ walked the earth, did he choose His disciples from the ranks of the influential, the well-off or the seemingly perfect followers of the Law?  No; he grabbed a bunch of smelly fisherman.  He broke bread with tax collectors, prostitutes and other members of the Deeply Flawed Club.

By using imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan, God makes sure that everyone has a place at His table.  All of us can play a role, our imperfections  smoothed, polished and turned into a beautiful work of art.

Father God, 

Thank you for accepting us as we are.  We are so blessed that You would chose us to be a part of Your magnificent plan even though we are broken, imperfect and flawed. 

As we walk in our daily lives, Lord, help us to remember the examples of You making miraculous works of those who were cast aside or who fell short of Your glory in so many ways.  Let us look upon those around us with Your eyes, seeing the value which is in every person.   

No one is beyond Your redemption and love.  When we reach out and create intentional relationships with those whom others would see as worthless, we are doing this for You.  Keep this always in our minds as You bring people into our lives. 

Thank you God for the gift of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, 

Amen.