Scratched, Scuffed and Stained

Many years ago, the plates and bowls in our cabinet began showing little black markings from forks and spoons scratching the surface, inevitable from daily use by our large family.  It was just the way they were, we figured, the sign of being well-used and well-loved.  And then, just a few months ago, our oldest daughter tried using a product called Bar Keeper’s Friend on her own dinnerware.  The difference was astonishing.  Her dishes looked like new.  I tried the cleaning powder on our 32 year old plates.  They gleamed,  and the unsightly hieroglyphics were gone. 

Over the years, I have found that the right application of the right product can typically renew that which is scratched, scuffed and stained, even when other efforts have failed, the imperfections ranging from stained clothing (try soaking in OxyClean) to soap scum on shower doors and bathtubs (Mr. Clean Magic Erasers).

There are times we all feel scratched, scuffed and stained, burdened by experiences of life and poor choices we have made.  It appears that it is just the way we have become, and we must live with it.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  God offers forgiveness and grace and makes all things NEW.  The forgiveness is there – just like the OxyClean in my cupboard -- but sometimes those choices are deep-set and cling like a stubborn bathtub ring, not easily given up.  How often do we just dig our heels into our own selfishness --as if a long-lived behavior becomes our identity, who we really are?  “He’s just an angry person.”  “Compassion is just not one of my gifts.”  “Mr. Grumpy.”  “Well, she always speaks her mind.”  Do we think that the longer we excuse our misconduct, time makes it ok?  And over the decades, like my dishes, we justify it by claiming, “It’s just the way I am.”

Don’t fall for that deceit.  NO ONE stands beyond redemption.  God has granted us the grace we need to let go of those things which impede our relationship with Him and impact everyone around us for generations.  Sometimes it has been so long we no longer recognize what we are doing as sin, a word rarely used anymore.  We would rather say “tendency” or “weakness” or “personality trait.”  We would rather our weakness become a point of pride than come before God and admit that we are wrong.  We know we need to move on, but sometimes like a ratty pair of stained sweatpants, we just don’t want to let them go.  And we don’t realize how different things can be, so different it will be obvious to everyone.  Even yourself.  God redeems and restores.  And makes all things new.

 

For as the heavens are high above the earth,

     so great is His steadfast love

     toward those who fear Him;

so far as the east is from the west,

so far does He remove our transgressions from us.

                                            Psalm 103. 11-12

“Behold.

      I make all things new.”

                     Revelation 21.5