Recently I had the joy of moving. Moving is an experience that can be summed up in one word -- Don't. After loading and unloading boxes for days, my wife gave me the dreaded word. We would need this-and-that (about $200 worth of this-and-that), and I found myself doing something that I vowed I would never do. I bought some "you-put-it-together" disposable furniture. (Disposable? Yes because it will only make it for a year or two and then it's to the dump we go - we go.)

While putting my three pieces of furniture together I learned two very valuable facts: 1) Never do this again, and 2) the "put-it-together" furniture people are perfectionist. Yes, perfectionist. They always give you what you exactly need and never one nail, screw, or tack more than is needed.

It's obviously the "put-it-together" furniture people believe that their workers will never make a mistake and only put in five nails when you need six, and they know that only neat, organized, and careful people buy their furniture. No one that buys their furniture would ever lose a part. Personally I believe they should mark all of their boxes with big letters saying, "NO MISTAKES ALLOWED!"

Thinking on this for moment made me very thankful that our Lord's grace is more than enough for our mistakes. Being a Christian doesn't mean "No Mistakes Allowed." Neither does it mean, "Make all the mistakes you want too." It means that we can trust in the blood of Jesus to cover all our mistakes and the grace of God to help us do the job right the first time (Something that never happens when putting "put-it-together" furniture). It's great to know that even if we make mistakes He has more than enough supply of forgiveness and we can still be molded into His likeness. The greatest thing about Jesus Christ and His salvation is that He "put-it-all-together" for us!

However, some Christians are schooled in the thoughts of the "put-it-together" furniture people and carry a large chip on their shoulder that reads, "NO MISTAKES ALLOWED!" Of course, it has been my experience that the "No Mistakes Allowed" only applies to other Christians and never to the "perfectionist" believer. Wouldn't it be much better to carry this attitude with you: "Lots of forgiveness - We all need it AND the Masters guarantee He'll help you not make the same mistake again!"

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

What do you think? Let us know by writing us at pastorbarr@hotmail.com

Would you like to see our last mini-sermon? CLICK HERE

Christian Banner eXchange