“Becoming more than a good Bible study girl requires a heart free of the entanglements of self-distracting thoughts”-pg. 166 of Becoming Than a Good Bible Study Girl
As I read Chapter 14, it was difficult not to think that is many of us who feel that we are unfit to serve for our Heavenly Father and the following came to mind that I wanted to share for many who are quick to judge others based on past mistakes or their lives before Christ had changed them or maybe who judge themselves unfit to serve our Heavenly Father to this day.
A certain church found itself suddenly without a pastor, and a search committee was formed. In due course it received a letter from a man applying for the vacant position. The committee chairman read:
“I am considered to be a good preacher, and I have been a leader in most of the places I have served. I have also done some writing on the side.
“I am over 50 years old, and while my health is not the best, I still manage to get enough work done to please any parish.
“As for references, I am somewhat handicapped. I have never preached anywhere for more than three years. And most of the churches I have preached in have been small, even though they were located in rather large cities. I had to leave some places because my ministry caused riots and disturbances. Even where I stayed, I did not get along too well with other religious leaders, which may influence the kind of references these places will supply. I have also been threatened and physically attacked. I have even gone to jail several times for my preaching.
“I am not particularly good at keeping records. I have to admit I don’t even remember all those whom I’ve baptized. However, if you can use me, I should be pleased to be considered. I feel sure I can bring vitality to your church.”
When the chairman finished reading the letter, the committee members were aghast. How could anyone think that a church like theirs would consider a man who was nothing but a troublemaking, absentminded, ex-jailbird? What was his name? “Well,” said the chairman, “the letter is signed Paul.”
Reading that, the words of Lysa came back from “Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study”,”
For many women within the church, it may be one of the most painful parts of their of their life story. One for which they want to find forgiveness and healing, but are too afriad of being judged to share their secret with anyone”.
It’s amazing how we are quick to bring up the story of the woman that Jesus forgave and saved from stoning by the Pharisess, but are quick to be that way with others or ourselves, forgetting that God’s words isn’t for an inclusive group of people or for another time, but as relevant today as it is yesterday.
There is a difference between vanity and a difference between accepting who we are in Christ now and who we are becoming in and through Christ and that we are vessels for Him to use to His glory, not to make the person next to us happy, or the person who doesn’t know us except maybe through snapshots that WE share through personal choice.
We serve an amazing and loving and forgiving Father and it’s a call that we in turn be His light; His ambassadors and show that to a world that doesn’t share the same forgiveness and understanding like He does.
What happens on Sunflower Faith?
