A Work in Progress

Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.    Psalm 146:3-6

Every time I watch the news I am reminded of just how fallible and unreliable humankind is. Yet, it has been my experience that many people tend to put those they look up to on a pedestal of sorts. The adorning fans of movie stars and music mavens revere them as they expect perfection. The followers of the political leaders and media giants expect nothing short of great wisdom and impeccable decision making. The congregants of popular preachers or evangelists, even Christian based music makers, assume these standouts lead lives above reproach. So many put their faith in people who by virtue of their position, talent and profession are in the public eye.

God's word clearly tells us not to put our trust in "princes, in mortal men, who cannot save". God knows that all human beings are imperfect creatures and they will make bad decisions. These people who are in positions of leadership either by choice or circumstance are still lowly humans. This includes local church leaders, local government, your bible study leaders or pastors. Even, your friends, coworkers and family members are not exceptions.  They will let us and themselves down.

It is easy for us to look to someone else to be an example of what we think 'good' is. It is almost a relief to feel as though we cannot measure up. It takes the pressure off to hold someone else to higher accountability than ourselves. And, when those individuals whom we have put on the pedestal trips, stumbles or falls in a crashing heap we quickly stand in judgment. However, instead of seeing all of their mistakes and deciding that they should have known better, maybe we should look in a mirror.  Looking closely at ourselves before we start casting stones to see that we too are imperfect and have made mistakes.  Would we want to be the one with our lives in all its ugliness displayed in the public eye?

To me, what we must remember, what I have been convicted by, is that by God's grace I am forgiven therefore, I must also forgive.  I must be willing to accept people for who they are and show them the same love and mercy which I have received from a gracious and loving God.  I have received many 'second' chances in my life and I have to be willing to afford others that same opportunity.  God changed me.  He has smoothed some of my rough edges.  He has strengthened some of my weak places and mended many cracks in this simple clay pot.  I am still a work in progress.  I have to remember, we all do, that we are all continuous works in progress in the Master's hands.  I have no room in my life for condemnation and judgment of others for I would be beaten bloody by the stones that could be thrown my way were it not for the sacrifice of Jesus!

God thank you, thank you for your gift of salvation and the forgiveness afforded me through Jesus.  I want always to remember this truth and to see others through your eyes.  Fill my heart Lord with your love and place in me your forgiving spirit.  Let me not think too highly of myself to ever sit in judgment of another but show me ways to encourage the fallen to look to you, for you are our hope!

God is good, all the time...All the time, God is good!  May his grace be sufficient for you today!