“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” (Ephesians 1:4).
Do you know anyone who is a numismatist? You may be one and not even know it. Do you collect coins or know someone who does? If so, someone might give you this label. Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins. If you get into serious collecting, you will try to find coins that have never been in circulation. However, you will soon realize that to find an old coin in uncirculated condition is a rare and expensive achievement. In the process, you might use the proficiency of a coin grading service. In their classification system, ratings are used to categorize these never-circulated coins utilizing factors such as striking strength and luster. Similar services are available for the assessment of precious gems such as diamonds. Unless you have a microscope, the casual observer cannot distinguish between a slightly compromised diamond and one which is perfect except, of course, when you pay your bill. One company advertises that they are “the perfect source for less than perfect diamonds.”
It becomes much more evident to see flaws when we talk about people. In the recent Presidential election, it was not unusual for both candidates of the major political parties to be referred to as ‘flawed.’ Many Americans voiced that one or both candidates were either unqualified or undeserving of the office based upon their past. The normal use of the word flawed means “blemished, damaged, or imperfect in some way.” If we use that as our standard, then we might wonder why any normal person would consider running for office. And if that application follows, the words imperfect or flawed could define each of us on any given day. It certainly gives us pause to consider the wise counsel of the Apostle Paul – “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
In two of the Gospels, Jesus told the story of inviting guests to a wedding feast. In the Book of Matthew, a king prepares a wedding feast for his son. When he sends for the invited guests, they appear to be busy and unable to attend. So, he tells his servants – “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find” (Matthew 22:9). As instructed, the servants invited all sorts of people until the wedding feast was filled. One of the guests insults the king by not wearing the wedding clothes which the host would have provided. The man was thrown out – “For many are invited but few are chosen” (Matthew 22: 14). In Luke’s version, the guests are told to be careful not to take the seats of honor “for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited” (Luke 14:8). It is far better to take “the lowest place so that when the host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests” (Luke 14:10-11). Regardless of where we are seated, we are each flawed and must consider it the greatest of all honors to even be invited to the banquet.
As we sit down to our own feasts this Thanksgiving – we should pause, look around the table, and ask some pertinent questions. Who was invited and did not come? Who is attending out of pure obligation? Did they sit close to or distance themselves from certain people? As we serve the turkey and stuffing, no doubt there is also plenty of heartache and blame to be passed around – enough for each one of us to have a generous portion. Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird penned these words: “You can choose your friends but you sho’ can’t choose your family, an’ they’re still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge ’em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don’t.” As we set the places at our table, He sets the example for us to offer a seat of honor to our flawed but forgiven family members. And like David, we will respond – “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16). Allow your Thanksgiving to be a perfect reunion for all those who are made so . . . only in the eyes of God.
REFLECTION: How do you allow for imperfection in your own life and in the lives of others without compromising your values? Consider the greater meaning of Matthew 7:3 and how it applies in your walk.
A NEW LOOKUP DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 19, 2016. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.