Tarnished

What sin do you need to confess and turn away from—in action or reaction, thought or word, attitude or habit—because it is tarnishing the reflection of the Holy Spirit’s purity in you? “

“Jesus in Me Devotional” by Anne Graham Lotz

My wife, Judy, was recently reading a devotion from Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Evangelist Billy Graham.  She writes, “The silver-plated tea set was passed down from my mother-in-law to us after she went to heaven. It sits in our home on the fireplace or in the China cabinet and is a reminder of times when she was with us here on earth.

“When it is polished, it shows its beauty in the intricate workmanship, patterns, and design. But as it is exposed to the air and pollutants in it, it begins to change. Time and lack of diligence on my part in noticing the change or taking time to polish it contribute to the gradual tarnishing.

“Until I do a double take and really see the tarnished tea set, nothing changes in its appearance. But when I do a double take one morning I am astonished at the beautiful piece, now discolored with its beauty hidden under tarnish. I am moved to action with the silver polish and the tarnished piece comes to life again under the polish and the gentle rubbing.

“How often in our lives do we begin to tarnish and never notice until something grabs our attention, and we refocus. As I read this devotion, it reminded me that I am a vessel created by God to show forth Himself to others. But perhaps being distracted and surrounded by pollutants in my life (things, circumstances, people, and even me) I wonder have I allowed them to tarnish me?

“I want to be a vessel that shines forth as a thing of beauty by showing clearly that Christ through His Holy Spirit lives in me. So today, I’m asking my Heavenly Father to show me the things I need to address in my actions, attitudes, thoughts, and heart…things that need some confession and repentance. And because He only wants what is best for me, I know He will lead me and guide me in the way I should go.

“I’m so thankful He does not throw me in the trash or sell me at the next garage sale because I’m a bit tarnished…He’s all about polishing the silver and redeeming me.

“Maybe it’s time to go polish the silver.”

What a great illustration of God’s desire to make us the best that we can be…for Him.  And just when it seems that we are beyond redemption, He reminds us no to worry because, “He’s got this.”  Judy…with a little Bro. Dewayne