The Testimony of BIG RED

BIG RED.

I found out recently that BIG RED is the affectionate name my local automotive repair shop owner has for my truck.  I drive a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 350 engine (no I’m not on Al Gore’s mailing list for friends of the environment) and a 5 speed transmission.  It is an extended cab, so there is a small seat in the back.  That truck is 14 years old.  The odometer says 169,000 miles, but I’m not buying it.  It is probably more like 200,000 miles.

In the last couple of years I have put a new engine, new air conditioning, new clutch, new power steering pump, three serpentine belts, new ignition switch, and new exhaust pipe brackets just to name a few.  One might say that is is a testimony to the greatness of the repair people that the truck is still running well.  Or…if you are a Chevrolet guy, then maybe it is a testimony to the manufacturer that I am still driving that truck.  Either way, it is probably not as much a testimony to BIG RED as it is the people who have a hand in keeping BIG RED running.

Recently, I was thinking about how much like BIG RED I am.  It does not take long for me to begin to realize all the shortcomings I have.  I do not always have the best foresight.  I do not always have the greatest sensitivity for my wife.  I do not always have the best insight into the nitty gritty details of an operation.  Too often I forget things that I should remember.  Too many times I do not see typos or flaws that I should notice in my work.  The list could go on, and on, and on, and on…but I think I’d rather stop. 

Here’s the point.  In spite of these shortcomings that rival BIG RED’s, God actually calls me and uses me as a husband, father, and undershepherd of the church for which He died.  CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?  Yeah…don’t tell my church members how many shortcomings I have.  They would probably be alarmed when they realize that, at times, their pastor seems to have more flaws than he does strengths. 

Yet, the fact that God is using me as His undershepherd over his church is not a testimony to me or anyone else.  It is a testimony to HIS greatness.  The more I am confronted with my weakness, the more I fall on my knees and praise God Almighty for His greatness.  The more I see my flaws, then the more I see God’s power.  The more I see my shortcomings, then the more I see God’s infinite wisdom.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit — the Godhead Trinity — is at work on, in, and through me.  God spoke to Paul and said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”(2Cor. 12:9a)  In turn, Paul responded, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2Cor. 12:9b)

Paul was actually responding to his shortcomings by seeing God’s greatness more.  My shortcomings scream of God’s mercy.  My shortcomings scream of God’s power.  My flaws testify to the very greatness of God.  Just as BIG RED is a rolling advertisement for the automotive repair shop, my life is an advertisement for A VERY GREAT GOD!

Here’s my question:  Every human being has flaws, but have you allowed Christ to take over your life and use your flawed life for His glory?  There is no shortage of human imperfections…including yours.  However, have you given your flawed, imperfect, fallen short life to Christ Jesus where his sacrificial death for you offers you a way to one day experience a glorified and perfect body?

You see, the greatness of my life is directly proportionate to the greatness of God.  Without His greatness I have none.  Without His goodness I have none.  And…without His strength, I am just another incredibly weak and flawed human.  Have you allowed your flawed life to become a testimony to Christ?