Flawed. All humans are flawed. Ever since the fall of man, sin has not ceased and I don’t deserve forgiveness. How could I think with malice toward someone who made a small mistake, when God has given His only Son to save a world of big and small sins? Everyday I battle myself to be Christ-like. Everyday I ask myself, “How can I represent Him?” After prayer, I looked to the guidance of the Bible and some of the worlds greatest minds and writers.
I often trouble myself with the world around me. Getting wrapped up in the latest gadgets, clothes, music, and movies. Being envious of what others have that I don’t. Whenever I see a friend with something that I have been eyeing, I think of Proverbs 23:17, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” This verse keeps me in check. I shouldn’t worry myself about how I look to others with what earthly treasures I have. I should be seeking heavenly treasures and focusing on how I look to God. Lately, that has been my goal. I figure that if I seek God, my life down here will fall into place and my life up there will hold wonders.
Mark Twain once wrote, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Yet, crushed people hardly release a sweet smelling fragrance. Crushed people instead release an embittered heart furthering a sour relationship or family feuds that never end with reasons long forgotten. All of this eventually leading to division, divorce, and spiritual death. But, the formula for reversing the outcome is so simple, yet so hard. There are still scars that I carry from kids who have injured me in public school.
Jesus, gave us a perfect example on the cross. His sweet fragrance of forgiveness was shed by his forgiving blood. The power to forgive lies only in he who is the ultimate forgiver. It is through His power that we can also demonstrate His mercy. He exemplified the forgiveness that Mark Twain describes in his quote.
For those unintentional flubs and flounders, one cannot do without a sense of humor. Being able to laugh at oneself releases one from embarrassment and anxiety. Francis Bacon said, “Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is.” I rely heavily on my imagination and sense of humor. My mother says it is one of my best qualities.
I believe that if we all had faith, forgiveness, and laughter, we can grow healthy, happy, and strong. My philosophy may seem idealistic or simplistic, but Jesus was also known for such.