I don’t know about you, but people can drive me nuts sometimes. Especially when it comes to the Body of Christ. I know we’re all broken people, but it can be so exasperating when the ones who should know better, say or do the most ridiculous and unbiblical things.
It’s easy to just disconnect and want to go live on a farm somewhere, away from everyone. Maybe it’s just my fantasy (although if I’m being honest, I would probably hate it since I can’t even handle a dog in my home, let alone other animals to keep alive), but the idea of living on a self-sustainable farm sounds lovely.
Year 5 A.C.
The past few years have been so challenging for our country and for the church. It’s like the lights have been switched on and there’s a whole lot happening around us that we had no idea about. The absolute worst is when we feel betrayed or lied to. Especially since that can lead us to never trust anyone again. It’s also hard when we thought we were all on the same page only to find out that well actually, we’re not.
OT stories
The Old Testament can be a bit challenging to get through. Every year I’ve done The Bible Recap (i.e. the Bible in a year), the Old Testament has been a touch difficult (and slow) to get through for me. However, I’ve come to appreciate the rich stories. Stories that don’t hold back on the brokenness of God’s people.
I just read through Samson a couple of days ago, and WOW do I want to shake that man. What in the world was he thinking? Foolish decision after foolish decision. And yet, the LORD used him in amazing ways. This incredibly strong, talented man that was selfish and lustful was an incredible instrument of God. He was even listed in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. That’s WILD if you think about it.
And then we have Gideon. He was weak and fearful. His first fight he didn’t even have a sword in his hand. Rather a ram’s horn and a jar with a torch in it (Judges 7:15 – 20). And just 300 men! He ended up getting caught up with an ephod that the LORD explicitly gave to the priests to use (not him), but still. This very broken man was also in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Crazy!
Reality check
I personally am thankful that I’ve been reminded that just like these ancient men, the body of Christ is made up of a bunch of broken people. Of which I myself am one. The LORD only has broken people to work with, so just as He is content to do so, I must be too. Praise God for His grace!
My husband and I were just at a fundraiser the other night, and I was honestly blown away by the generosity of the body of Christ. It’s incredible what can be done when we all band together. But no one in that room was perfect or had it all together. There were a fair share of them that have rubbed me the wrong way at one time or another (I’m certain the feeling was mutual). But you know what? God was there, among us all. It was beautiful. The people of God are a hot mess, but collectively, beautiful.
Stand firm with grace
Again, it’s easy to get frustrated with those around us, especially when we don’t see things eye to eye. Just to be clear, I am in no way advocating to just forget about some of the incredibly important differences that are biblically justified.
However, we need to remember that we don’t all have to agree on secondary issues (1 Corinthians 13:12). Clearly, with respect to primary issues, we need to stand firm, but with grace and patience (Proverbs 25:15) in order to change minds to align with the Truth of Scripture. I love how Priscilla and Aquila modeled this concept perfectly. They approached Apollos (Acts 18:24 – 26), taking him aside. They then corrected him using Scripture.
God is so good. I love that He reminds us that not only are we all broken, but we need each other. We can’t walk through this life without one another. Even those that get on our last ever loving nerve. Thankfully, though, I think the LORD knows what He’s doing, even when we may disagree.
Stories of the LORD’s broken people
I love that the Bible has so many great stories of how the LORD uses these sometimes quirky, sometimes foolish, always sinful people. He did it then, and He does it today, and He’ll do it always. HERE are some great books of a few contemporary people who the LORD has used in amazing ways. Check them out!
It’s so important to remind ourselves of how the LORD orchestrates the most beautiful lives for each one of us if we let Him. And besides, God only knows how much we also need to be encouraged. There’s no better way than to read a few of these awesome testimonies of God’s goodness and faithfulness, despite broken circumstances!
