TO ETCH OR NOT TO ETCH

 I’m not a huge fan of tattooing myself, because I know it would become grotesque with rapidly encroaching older age and already-sagging skin, thereby scaring young children. I prefer to make my statements via etchings on jewelry rather than crepe-like skin. If you’re a younger reader, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for not being wildly adventuresome.

Recently, I discovered a bracelet that was advertised as engravable, with anything you wanted to say, showing your philosophy and personality to the world. My first thought was to have the word CHOCOLATE engraved a coupla dozen times, since that’s of major importance in everyone’s life, and if it isn’t, well then, I guess you and I wouldn’t have much to talk about [Insert goofy smiley-face emoji here]. Another obvious possibility for a woman my age could be doo-wop lyrics from the 50’s, like “shoobie-doo-wop-doo-wow” and “ramma-lamma-ding-dong.” But then, I’d always have to wear poodle-skirts, and I’m not sure any of my friends could tolerate that.

So, after galloping through cerebral silliness, I reverted to adult thought processes. I wanted something that I wouldn’t eventually find boring, thus landing it in a garage sale a couple of years later. I wanted something I would gladly wear the rest of my life. And then it hit me -- why not show who I am -- in Christ?

And here it is -- the 12 most important words that describe me, not for my glory, but for His. Because of God’s plan before the world began (Ephesians 1:4), I am ... PREDESTINED, CALLED, JUSTIFIED, GLORIFIED (Romans 8:30), ADOPTED (Ephesians 1:5), SAVED (Romans 10:9,10), REDEEMED (Galatians 3:13), SANCTIFIED (1 Corinthians 1:2), RECONCILED (Romans 5:10), UNCONDEMNED (Romans 8:1), FORGIVEN (1 John 2:12), and BELOVED (Colossians 3:12).

I’ve heard that it’s a good idea for every Christian to rehearse the gospel to themselves each day, since we're prone to forgetfulness. It’s also good for me to remind myself of these God-breathed words, to reinforce what Christ has done for me, to keep my perspective, not just on an earthly level, but on “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2). This shiny bracelet is also an excellent witness tool, since it is very obvious to those I meet every day, and it keeps me ready “to give an account for the hope” I have (1 Peter 3:15).

My Father, I am beyond thankful that, even before I was born, You applied all those words, and more, to me, a wretched sinner, and now a beloved child. When I meet with other believers, I know the same applies to them, and I am able to encourage them in the same way You encourage me with Your words. You have made me a fellow citizen with the saints, and a member of Your household (Ephesians 2:19). I praise You for Your mercy and grace.

STINKY THINGS AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

 

Here’s a pretty picture to jump start your week -- a humongous landfill! Probably full of stinky fishbones, and diapers, and rusted metal, plastic, warped shoes, bubble wrap, and ... well, you get the idea. Makes you wanna sing, doesn’t it? That’s why I go visit landfills, to be inspired with ideas for the Broadway musical screenplay I plan to write someday.

A few months ago, I watched a documentary about slum children in Paraguay. Some genius musician went to the local dump site, pulled out ooky discarded objects, and fashioned musical instruments. The children were taught to play, and a band was formed. Lives were changed, both the children’s and those who watched and listened to them play.

In pondering that rancid pile of trash, I had an invigorating thought -- that used to be me. And now you’re thinking, “How offensive! How dare anyone say they’re trash, God doesn’t make trash! I am certainly not trash!”

Well, I partly agree. “In the beginning ...” God did not create trash. He created perfection. However, due to the infamous Adam/Eve fiasco, all subsequent generations were born spiritually dead ... and stinky. How do I know this? Well, my creator God told me so. I was “dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1). My heart “is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). I was once unrighteous, unable to inherit the kingdom of God, due to my sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Yes indeed, I was born into a spiritual landfill, ...

But God! When I was dead, He made me alive, pulled me out of the sin-landfill, raised me up with Christ, and seated me with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:13). I’m included with all other refurbished sinners, part of the Lord’s well-designed plan. How wonderful to know that God uses the “dead” and foolish and weak, to set into the Body. The disciples were only uneducated fishermen, but they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13) and were changed.

 

My Father, how truly awestruck I am when I consider that I was born spiritual garbage, but you washed, sanctified, and justified me in the name of my Jesus and in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). You did that with me, and for me, so that I would be made useful. In Your hands, with Your Spirit, because of Your Son, I am a chosen instrument to play Your “music,” for Your glory and Your purpose. I could not feel more blessed!