God’s All-Star Team
“But God chose the foolish things of the
world to shame the wise…”
1
Corinthians 1:27
Tell most people that God wants to use them,
and they’ll usually write themselves off quicker than an IRS refund. In
one way or another or another, we find ourselves minimizing our talents,
lauding the gifts of others, or simply excusing ourselves because of past
mistakes. The truth is, if God only used
perfect people, nothing would ever get accomplished.
Once President George Washington was having
a painting done when the artist offered to remove any facial blemishes from his
work…to which the President replied, “I want my painting done, warts and all.” That
is exactly how God uses us. Recently, I
read about a search committee that reviewed the Bible characters, only to come
up short on possible recommendations to join God in His work. Their review included:
ADAM: Good man, but has problems with
his wife.
NOAH: Preached for 120 years with no converts. Prone to unrealistic building projects. Great animal lover, but the last neighborhood
received a flood of complaints, right as he was leaving town.
MOSES: A modest and meek man, but poor
communicator, even stutters at times.
Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly in business meetings. Skeleton in his closets includes a murder
charge.
DAVID: The most promising leader of all
until we discovered the affair he had with his neighbor’s wife. Besides, he can’t control his own
household…so how could we respect him.
ELIJAH: Prone to depression: collapses
under pressure. Besides, no one has seen
him in a long time. Doesn’t blend well
with other religious leaders, either.
HOSEA: A tender and loving pastor, but
our people could never handle his wife’s occupation.
JOHN: Says he is a Baptist, but doesn’t dress like one. May be too Pentecostal. Tends to like both hands in the air to
worship when he gets excited. You know
we limit to one hand. Sleeps in the
outdoors, has a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders.
PETER: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper, even said to have cursed on
occasions. He’s a loose cannon.
PAUL: Powerful CEO type and fascinating preacher. However, he’s short on tact, unforgiving with
young ministers, harsh, and has been known to preach all night. Very offensive to women when he starts his
“submission” stuff. And besides, he has
a rap sheet a mile long in numerous cities.
1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “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.” He’ll take us quirks and all, if we’re
willing to join Him. After all, it’s not
really about what we bring but what He brings that counts.
Terry Risser
Reflections:
1) What is the biggest reason you have
disqualified yourself in the past?
2) Can you think of a Bible character who said
the same thing?
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014- Terry Risser
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