A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on opposite ends of a pole he carried across his neck. One pot had a crack in it; the other 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 two years the bearer delivered one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house daily. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. The cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection, and 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 two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side allows 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 post said.
The water bearer said nothing to the old cracked pot, except, seeming to change the subject, replied, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the path side, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because, as always, it had leaked out half its load. It again apologized for its failure. The bearer replied, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and 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’re 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 we seek ways to serve, don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, improve those things that can be helped, and allow God to take advantage of each talent, and flaw, to bring beauty to His pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength.
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Copied
SKIPPING CHURCH: BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH
A recent study shows that the quantity of life suffers from skipping church. Researchers at the Universities of Texas and Colorado as well as Florida State University found that those who regularly attend religious services live 10% longer than those who never darken the church doors. For those who attend services once a week, statistics indicate they will live to age 82 – and can tack on an additional year of life expectancy if they attend more than once a week. Those who don’t go at all live to an average age of 75. USA Today 4/26/99
How long do you want to live? Then where are you when the doors of the building are open? Something more important? What could that be? What if Jesus had something more important than dying for you on the cross? Jesus thought you were the most important thing on the face of this earth. He left the beauty of heaven. He left the fellowship of the Father to come and die for you, what do you do for Him? Is it too hard to come and worship Him? Remember if we serve Him faithfully on this earth we will live with Him in eternity. If we do not live faithfully for Him it is called the second death. I think then a good question would be just how long do you want to live? This life effects our eternal life!
Love Keith
