I often find myself thinking that Godwouldn't possibly be using someone in his will because they have someobvious sin in their life. Or I stand puzzled that God did indeedwork through someone despite a sin they may not have turned from. Andoften I myself think that if I don't cut out a particular sin from mylife, that God won't use me or I'll miss out on something he wantedme to do.
Obviously, this kind of thinking isfolly. The Bible – and personal experience – make it abundantlyclear that nobody is perfect. We all still fall short and engage insin of some kind. If God only used perfect people, then nobody wouldever be able to minister for God. Perfect people don't exist.
Early in my time as a Christian I wastold that God uses the willing, not the perfect. I see that is verytrue. The heroes of the Bible? In a way, they could be seen asanti-heroes. Abraham and Sarah both lied. Jacob was a trickster.Jonah was racist against the Ninevites. Peter had a habit of stickinghis foot in his mouth. Paul was formerly a persecutor of theChristians. Today, God might end up using that one kid who has ahabit of swearing a lot, or that girl with the beautiful singingvoice who tends to show just a little too much skin. It boggles mymind... but God just wants someone willing to listen to his call.
Obviously, this kind of thinking isfolly. The Bible – and personal experience – make it abundantlyclear that nobody is perfect. We all still fall short and engage insin of some kind. If God only used perfect people, then nobody wouldever be able to minister for God. Perfect people don't exist.
Early in my time as a Christian I wastold that God uses the willing, not the perfect. I see that is verytrue. The heroes of the Bible? In a way, they could be seen asanti-heroes. Abraham and Sarah both lied. Jacob was a trickster.Jonah was racist against the Ninevites. Peter had a habit of stickinghis foot in his mouth. Paul was formerly a persecutor of theChristians. Today, God might end up using that one kid who has ahabit of swearing a lot, or that girl with the beautiful singingvoice who tends to show just a little too much skin. It boggles mymind... but God just wants someone willing to listen to his call.