Thought to Ponder....& Chew on......

Something interesting happened to Jim yesterday morning in his Sunday school class. Actually, it was a conversation. A conversation that has fascinated me ever since I heard about it. Okay, you've twisted my arm, so I'll share it. :)

One of his Sunday school members approached him after the lesson, and said to him, "Wow, I look at you in a different light than I did before." Jim was taken off guard at this remark, and thought the guy was just joshing him. Jim had shared with his class that he himself "falls short" sometimes. Jim was acknowledging in front of everyone, you could even say he was testifying to the fact that, despite all his personal efforts...he still goofs sometimes.

What concerns me...maybe concern is a strong word...is the seriousness with which this comment was made. This guy....this Christian man...was surprised that my husband, a saved, Godly man, still sinned.....and even worse...that Jim was in leadership. How dare a Sunday school teacher not be perfect.

Okay, these comments are obviously tongue-in-cheek. The closer my relationship becomes with Christ, the more my own personal shortcomings stand out. I am an imperfect woman, mother, and wife. Most of all...an imperfect friend. I fall short, but I like to think I'm pressing on...that I'm being refined....more Christ-like. What's scary is the fact that there are more church members who think like this guy. They think those in church leadership/ministry have it all together. No problems....no baggage....no sin. Wow. Nothing further from the truth.

I explained to my kids today how we are like lumps of clay on the potter's wheel. We're spinning around and being molded by the Master Potter all the time. One day, when we're are ushered into our Heavenly Home, we'll be whole and done with this life; but until then, we're being transformed...having our minds renewed....becoming..hopefully...more like Him. I caution anyone who holds those in leadership/ministry to a higher standard than themselves to be careful. People down "here" will fail you every time you make an idol out of them, however, there's One who will never fail or forsake you. Place your faith in Him. Now, I totally believe I have a personal responsibility to, not only my husband and kids, but to the women I sit in front of and lead every week in bible study. I take that seriously too. You bet I do. However, I pray they will never be "disappointed" to learn I'm a fellow sojourner as well. I struggle too. I've known huge sin in my life, and while I'm in this earthly body, I'll never totally escape it's grip. I am confident though, that one day, I will be in the presence of the God who has saved my soul...through His grace and mercy...and at that time...He will make all things new.

Until then, sister.....let's run the race marked out for us. Not just "run" either...let's persevere like nobody's business. :)

Marcy

A BIG SHOUT OUT!!!!!

I have totally neglected this blog. Here's the thing...I don't know if I have time to write on a regular basis. I know my many readers are terribly disappointed. :)

This past weekend I went with Vicki, Terri, & Lori to Deeper Still in Nashville, TN. Wow. I'm a regular at Living Proof Live events, but this type was different. Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur teamed up with Beth Moore to pull off a totally awe-inspiring weekend. God spoke in a huge way to me, and I've come away changed. This time will be different. More intentional perhaps to live out loud for Jesus Christ.

Homeschooling is fine. Tough, but fine. I battle my selfish nature everyday as I think about the other things I could be doing. I love Women's Min. and felt I would take on a huge role in that area this year. Who would have thought I'd be teaching my three kiddos? Not me. I was one of those women who said I could never do that. Lesson learned. Never say never.

Marcy