Volume 33

You’ve seen it on posters and bumper stickers, or heard people say it: God Doesn’t Make Junk! As it turns out, He does.

Today, the word junk refers to something with little or no value but it wasn’t always that way. According to Scuttlebutt by Teri Degler, “Even before the days of Columbus, junk was the name given to pieces of old rope found about a ship. Rather than being tossed overboard, junk was saved until another use could be found. It could be stuffed between leaky planks to seal the seams; long pieces were used to snug things down; and short chunks were used as wadding in guns during battle. Eventually the word made its way ashore and was used for any discarded object for which another use might be found.”

Next time you’re feeling discarded or discounted, think of yourself as junk. Even the apostle Paul felt the sting of disdain. “We are patient with those who abuse us,” he wrote. “We respond gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we’re treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash.” (1 Cor. 4:13)

Maybe you don’t live up to the expectations of yourself or others — especially the shallow, ever-shifting expectations of our shamelessly superficial society. But God wants to cherish you at his side, not chuck you over the side. Though critics may see little value in who you are or what you can do, He saves you for another use. His use. “Be glad for all God is planning for you,” Paul says (Rom. 12:12.)

Those plans may not be what you expect, or even what you want, but He has a purpose for your life, even when you and others don’t see it right away. It may not bring you much praise or prestige, but it willbring you inner power and lasting peace. That’s because God gives each of us a passion and a particular gift that will help us make use of it, if we’re willing. Not sure what your purpose is? Pray. Ask. And be prepared to start small. “Unless you’re faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones.” Jesus said. (Luke 16:10)

And while you’re waiting for an answer, be busy with the things all of us can do. In the same chapter where Paul encourages Christians to seek and trust the plans God has for each of us, he lays the foundation for spiritual usefulness. He says, “Don’t just pretend you love others. Really love them... Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other... When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out... When others are happy, be happy with them. If they’re sad, share their sorrow.

“Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable.” (Rom. 12:9-17)

The common thread in all of that is a genuine interest in others. At a time when so many are completely self-absorbed, we need to listen, love, and lower ourselves to those who’ve been knocked to the ground. It’s dirty down there, but that’s where the purpose of God is found — not in the clean and cloistered isolation of self-pity or self-piety. If we’ll get our hands and knees dirty — setting aside our own pain and disappointment to serve others — we’ll find healing, wholeness and happiness for ourselves. We get to the extent we’re willing to give.

Just be faithful with every opportunity you’re given. The good news is, you’re headed for greatness. The bad news is — for some — it’s His greatness, not yours. In other words, you may never be prized or fully appreciated on the ship of life, but God has saved you for a reason — even if you don’t think you have much left to offer.

Maybe He’ll use your love to seal the seams when someone’s heart springs a leak, or to tie down the most important things when the storms of life assail, or to help the vulnerable win the battle against loneliness and isolation. God knows. Really. If you let him, He’ll use you. Even if you’re at the end of your rope.

By Rick Gamble. Published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications. To subscribe to this free weekly article, send a note to Rick at rgamble@bfree.on.ca