Our Raw Material — A LifeWords Devotion

Philippians 3:3-6

Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they’re interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God’s law Book. (THE MESSAGE)

 

We are each of us the product of those who loved us or failed to love us. Who I am arises out of the care I received in my early days and also out of the deficiencies of those who offered that care. I trace my strengths and weaknesses back to childhood and youth.

None of us was raised perfectly, and those of us who are parents can only ever offer imperfect nurture. This may sound rather grim, as if our lives are predetermined and we are stuck in some inherited rut.

Not so. Through the grace of God, we can change. Rough edges can be smoothed, wounds can be healed. And above all, that which we saw as weakness and failure can be put to good use by a God who is an expert in giving strength to the weak and courage to the timid. Our God doesn’t want our lives to be wasted. He uses what raw material we offer him for his good purposes.

Very much like he used Paul’s zeal and intimate knowledge of the Law after meeting him on the Damascus Road. All this history in his past life was put to fruitful use in the service of Jesus. God takes you on as you are. Introvert or extravert; well educated or poorly educated; bold or cautious; life of the party or shrinking violet. And he works on who you are so you become your true best self, which may be different to anyone else.

We can’t get rid of the raw material of our life, but we can put it at the disposal of a gracious God.