Romans 15:1-2 (New International Version)
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of
the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors
for their good, to build them up.
A water bearer had two large pots, each hung on the end
of a long pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack
in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion
of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the
cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer
delivering only one and one-half pots full of water to her master's house.
Of course the perfect pot was proud of its
accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked
pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and was miserable that it was only
able to accomplish half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter
failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to
you."
"Why?" Asked the bearer. "What are you
ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to
deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak
out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to
do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the
pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and
in her compassion she said, "As we return to the master's house, I want
you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot
took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the
path, and this cheered it some. But, at the end of the trail, it still felt bad
because it had leaked out half of its load, and so again it apologized to the
bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that
there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's
side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage
of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we
walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years, I have been able
to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you
being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his
house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We are all cracked
pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His
Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.
So, as we seek ways to work together, and as God calls us
to the tasks He has appointed for us, let us not be afraid of our flaws.
Dear Lord we thank You that You want to use each one of
us no matter our flaws. Thank You that in your eyes our flaws are strengths.
Help us to day to use them for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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