There are many things those who share the Gospel do well to remember. Certainly it is good for us to recall that the message we share is the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness. But, as we carry the Gospel to others it is also good if we remember it is mediated through we who are so flawed and fallen. Have you ever noticed how everyone in the Bible could have introduced himself, or herself, in some kind of recovery group? Imagine it:"Hi. My name is Abraham. I am a coward and a liar. I would tell a lie to put my wife's life at risk in order to save my own skin."
"Hi. We are Isaac and Rebecca and we're dysfunctional parents."
"Hi. My name is Jacob and I'm a cheater and a scoundrel."
"Hi. My name is Aaron. I'm a religious leader; but I cave in to peer pressure."
"Hi. My name is Miriam. I'm jealous of my little brother Moses and I'm a racist; I'm upset about his inter-racial marriage."
"Hi. My name is Moses and I'm a hot-head and a murderer."
"Hi. My name is Naomi and I am bitter."
"Hi. My name is Samson and I struggle with lust."
"Hi. My name is David. I am an adulterer and a murderer."
"Hi. My name is Elijah and I struggle with depression."
"Hi. My name is Thomas. I struggle with doubts."
"Hi. My name is Mary Magdalene and I'm a prostitute."
"Hi. My name is Peter and I let down my best friend when he needed me most."
"Hi. My name is Timothy. I struggle with paralyzing fears and insecurities."
"Hi. My name is Paul. I am a Christian killer and I am very difficult to work with."
As I read about these "heroes of the faith" I see that each one was flawed and yet each did significant Kingdom work. I do not believe that they were rewarded for the flaws; nor do I believe their flaws were unrelated to the good that occurred in their lives. The flaws became grace places; places of humility, which I believe is a synonym for honesty. They came to acknowledge in progressively deeper ways their need of God's love and mercy. For, to each, in his or her specific need, God came because He loved them; as He loves us. He loves us! He loves us with a love that is not conditioned by our performance....
From: Inspired Faith
