Scars

This one (pointing to a triangular shape on my left knee) is the result of a suicidal oak tree planting itself in the path of my bicycle when I was five.   This one (pointing to a grid-shaped brand covering my right calf) is the result of angry heater vent exercising vengeance for my napping on top of it when I was three.   And, this one is the result of…

Do you know what I am pointing at?   Of course you do, after all, you can point to one or two, perhaps even three, yourself, right?   They come in different shapes and sizes.   They can be found anywhere between the souls of our feet to the top of our head.   From learning to walk to riding a bicycle, from climbing on the couch to climbing trees; scars can be the result of some of the most fundamental activities we perform or the most ignorant chances we take.  And, as if that isn’t bad enough, scars can be the result of the actions that others take.   In other words, even innocent bystanders can be the recipients of scars.

We like to brag about having them, relive the moments in which we received them and show them off as if they are symbols of victory.   “Chicks dig them” was the catchy phrase from one country song.   The kind of scars I am referring to are simply nothing more than gentle reminders of lessons learned and life lived.  

Yet, during the last several years of my life I have become acquainted with another type of scar.   One that isn’t physical, one that affects just as many people, but isn’t as glamorous.   It is an emotional scar; one affecting the heart and the mind.   Again, I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about. 

We don’t brag about this type scar.  Unfortunately, we relive the moments in which we received them, wishing we could go back and undo the mistakes, take away the pain and start over.  And, certainly, this scar is no symbol of victory; rather it is a symbol of shame.   HOWEVER, there is great news for those of us who suffer with this type of scar – it is called grace.

Krystal Meyers, in her song “Beauty of Grace” puts it this way:

“Tell me why did you run?   You say you’re so ashamed, Bruised and broken, Thought if I figured out the mess you’ve made, That I would leave…

But, anywhere you are, Is never too far away, There’s freedom from your scars, The mistakes that you’ve made, Forgiven. The memories erased, That’s the beauty of grace.”

More importantly, Jesus put it this way:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

If you are interested in freedom from your scars, the mistakes that you’ve made; interested in being forgiven, having the memories erased, then experience the beauty of grace.

I would love to help.   Let me know what I can do.  

Sacrifice

Have you ever given much thought to the definitions of the words that we use on a daily basis? Or noticed how our understanding of those words change over time? Consider the word “sacrifice.” Can you recall the first time you heard that word used in a sentence? I can. I was a small child, perhaps 10 years of age, when my step-mother introduced me to this word. She informed me that my father had “sacrificed” his purchasing a pack of cigarettes so that I could attend a play that was taking place at my school. As a 10 year old I was amazed at my father’s love for me. After all, I knew that my father smoked and giving up a pack for me so that I could attend a school play must be something special because my step-mother called it a sacrifice.

Over the years I have heard this word used many times in many different settings. From my father’s “sacrificing” a pack of cigarettes so that I could attend a school play, to the athlete who “sacrifices” his body to help his team win the championship; I have always understood the word “sacrifice” as being limited in definition and scope. A sacrifice has always been something given up today that can be regained tomorrow. Think about it. My dad’s sacrifice of a pack of cigarettes was for the day, not for life. An athlete who sacrifices for the team can be found in the starting lineup in tomorrow’s game. Is this what sacrifice is all about? Or is there more to sacrifice than temporary inconvenience or momentary pain?

Our understanding of the word determines our appreciation for that which is sacrificed. If we see sacrifice as merely temporary inconvenience or momentary pain then sacrifice to us, although perhaps greatly appreciated, isn’t life changing. But, if sacrifice is understood to be more than temporary or for the moment, then it takes on a whole new meaning and has the potential to impact my life – not only for a day or a game – but for life.

In Philippians 2:5-8 the apostle Paul invites us to consider the great sacrifice of Christ. He informs us that, although Jesus existed in the very form of God (as the Word was actually one of the Godhead) he did not consider equality with God something to be held on to, or grasped. Therefore, he emptied himself of his equality and became one of us and died on the cross of calvary as the sacrifice for our sins. Was this sacrifice mere temporary inconvenience or momentary pain? No, it was much deeper and more meaningful than that. His sacrifice was not limited in definition and scope. He sacrificed himself for us, for all time, that we might have life eternal in heaven with the Father. Consider what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth:

“Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power … When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him (God) who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.”

Wow!! How does that make you feel? Unworthy? Good answer. Yet, as unworthy as we may feel that we are, the Word who became flesh, Jesus, considered us worthy enough to sacrifice His equality with God so that He could save us.

I know my understanding of the word sacrifice has come a long way through the years – a pack of cigarettes, a scraped knee, an eternal sacrifice. How about yours?