On Sunday the 27^th June I reminded us of 2 seemingly dichotomous truths:

1.      You are more amazing, wonderful and gifted than you have yet embraced and celebrated (see Psalm 139: 14)

2.      You are more broken and messed up than you will ever realise (see 1John 1: 8)

We must keep walking into both of these truths so that we do live out God’s unique call on our life and participate in His kingdom in the way God has designed us to; AND so that we don’t fall into the trap of pride and defensiveness but remain dependent upon God’s grace and live as instruments of God’s grace.

In our series ‘broken and beautiful’ you and I have been invited to face our brokenness and not hide from it; to walk into our pain and not run from it. This facing our brokenness is not an excuse for bad behaviour or a wallowing in self-pity or guilt. Rather it is the means by which we live in the space of dependency upon God’s loving grace and in the space of gracious loving kindness toward others. Think of the picture of the prodigal son - held in the Father’s loving embrace. This is where you and I are to live. Not as elder sons – aloof and distant and unable to face our brokenness or accept others in theirs. Nor as the younger sons, living in rebellion - covering up our pain with self-centred living and/or extreme busyness.

We can then say with Paul “follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1) and “I am the worst of sinners” (1 Tim 1: 15, 16) without false pride or false humility, but as a genuine gracious truth. We find ourselves celebrating God’s incredible grace – living with genuine joy and joyful obedience to God. We also find ourselves able to relate more lovingly and honestly with all people.  

Yours in Christ

Graham Keech

PS I was privileged to see a pre-release showing of the film “Freedom” which is the story of the underground railway in America which helped thousands of slaves travel across the border to Canada to find freedom. It is intertwined with the story of John Newton (the slave trader who when converted wrote “Amazing Grace”). This is an independent film that will be released in cinemas on the 21^st August. Movie theatres will decide whether to keep the film running, depending upon how many go to see it in the first four days. It is an uplifting story that reminds us of the brokenness of humanity and God’s grace to save. Have a look at http://themoviefreedom.com and consider supporting this initiative. 

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s

    womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and

    wonderfully made;
    your workmanship is marvellous
    and how well I know it.

(Psalm 139: 13-14)

Let me encourage you to honestly and courageously reflect on:

What is wonderful about you?

What is amazing about you?

What is it about you that reflects the wonder and creativity of God?

When we undertook this exercise on Sunday the 6^th July, I had feedback afterwards that some people found it hard to do because they were so afraid of pride and thinking too highly of themselves. My response is that humility is NOT about putting ourselves down but lifting others up. True humility involves recognising and celebrating the unique and special person you are and honouring everyone you meet as even more unique and special – genuinely honouring them and lifting them up.

The other reflection that came out of this exercise is that “we can’t celebrate our worth until we know where our sense of unworthiness comes from.” I think this is true. All of us have in some way received messages throughout our lives that we are not good enough. Some of us have been terribly put down and abused by significant others. It is necessary to identify and face these experiences and the unhealthy messages we have taken on board, so we can lay them at God’s feet, receive Abba God’s healing grace and love, and accept His view of us which is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made – absolutely precious to Him.

Remember that your uniqueness is God’s gift to the world.

Yours in Christ

Graham Keech