Dad possesses an enormous number of useful skills I will never master, but one skill I learned is the fine art of removing adhesive labels from containers. It takes patience, gentleness and persistence. Very S L O W pressure in just the right direction and voila-the container is label free! Some may see this skill as a waste of time, but Dad is motivated by the value he sees in each container to be used for a new purpose. He is a re-purposing pro. His label-removing process mirrors the patience and gentleness Jesus uses with us as He transforms us. Jesus is the ultimate re-purposing pro.
GOD’S PURPOSE
Matthew 11:29 describes Jesus as gentle. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” What is the purpose of this gentleness of God? To draw us into relationship with Himself and to re-purpose us. God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]” (Romans 2:4).
OUTCAST NO MORE
A great example of this process is the Samaritan Women. Jesus sees value in her and draws her to Himself. He spends time talking with her before He gently points out her sin and tells her who He is. She believes He is the Messiah and immediately runs to town to bring others to see and know Him. Jesus removed the labels of “outcast” and “sinner” from this woman. Her new purpose is to spread the word about Jesus. Many believe in Him because of her.
HE NEVER GIVES UP
When we come into relationship with Jesus we start God’s slow and patient transformation process. We will stumble and fall at times, but Jesus never gives up on us. We can “be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6).
HIS SLOW TRANSFORMING WORK
Thanks, Dad, for teaching me how to remove labels from containers. You gave me a glimpse into the way God re-purposes us. Thank you, Jesus, for your inexhaustible patience and gentleness. Your slow and steady transforming work in me is a delight. Please help me to also follow Your example by extending gentleness and patience to those all around me.
May we be transformed and re-purposed. His promise is: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”