IT’S FLAWED! DISCARD IT!

A great sculptor was commissioned to create a statue of Napoleon. The marble was ordered from a quarry in Greece known for its quality materials. As soon as it arrived in the studio of the famous sculptor, Canova, he examined it carefully. To his dismay, he noticed that it was not perfect.

In disgust, he shouted, “Discard it! It has a flaw in it. I will not lay my chisel upon it.”

How fortunate we are that God’s attitude toward and acceptance of sinners is the exact opposite. Paul boldly declares that God saved us “by His grace” – a word that means strong kindness toward someone! Imagine, if you can, how important God’s grace is for us.

God is perfection, and only what is perfect is good enough for Him. Our very nature condemns us and will not allow us to grow into anything near perfection. If we are ever to get near to God, then it must be on His terms.

God is also love. This love that we do not deserve or can ever understand is what makes grace necessary. There is nothing we could ever do that would enable us to remove the flaws in our lives. We need Someone who is above us and beyond us, yet who loves us, Who will reach out to us and say, “In spite of your flaws, I love you and will forgive you and transform you into a work of beauty by My grace if you have faith in, and will accept My Son as your Savior.”

Despite their flaws and imperfections, their shortcomings and sins, Jesus called men to become His disciples who were like us: ordinary sinners saved by grace.

Prayer:  Lord, it’s more than breaking Your laws that requires Your grace, but breaking Your heart. Forgive us, transform us and enable us to live worthy of Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9