Why didn’t God make us perfect?
“A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his 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 a half pots full of water in his 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 miserable that it was able to accomplish only 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.’
The bearer asked, ‘Why? What are you ashamed of?’
The pot replied, ‘For these past two years I can 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 don’t get full value for your efforts.’
The water bearer felt sorry for the old, cracked pot, and in his compassion, he said, ‘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 old, cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wildflowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it somewhat. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half 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 your 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.’
Blessings, Pastor Michael
- World Communion Sunday, October 5th
- Indigenous Peoples Day, October 13th
- Reformation Sunday, October 26th
The Beauty of Stewardship
Stewardship has to do with how we manage our time, talent, resources — basically our entire lives. It’s a beautiful concept when properly understood. Here are the basics of good stewardship:
God is the source of all creation, including our lives. God is the primary owner of all that exists.
We are blessed by being given the task of managing well all that we have influence over: our lives, our abilities, our minds and bodies, our time, our part of the earth, our finances, our children, our church buildings, our automobiles, etc.
Although we can make decisions regarding each of the above, ultimately we are responsible to God. Sooner or later, we must give an account of our management of God’s creation and of God’s gifts.
When we properly use the talents, resources and property that God allows us to manage, we find great joy. Think of planting a garden which soon overflows with colorful flowers, wonderful vegetables and flavorful herbs, etc. God gave us the plot of ground, God gave us the seed, God gave us the wisdom and strength to bring forth such beauty, such good things to see or eat, or smell. Yet we did the work, with God’s help, to make it a reality. Like Adam we tilled it and kept it. But God gave the increase. God’s provisions and our labor brought the garden to its fulfillment.
Good stewardship enables us to do something positive and wonderful with the money God has allowed us to have. What feels better than knowing one has managed money well? Our bank account, our checkbook and our portfolio tell the story. When money is handled well, we have enough for ourselves and are still able to give to God’s work.
That is the beauty of stewardship.
Just Show Up!
In A Million Little Ways (Revell), Emily Freeman says in order for Christians to “show up as you are with what you’ve been given,” we must confront these statements:
• I’m not cut out for this.
• Someone else can do it better.
• People might not like it.
• I have nothing to offer.
• I hate my calling.
• It’s a waste of time.
• It’s too much work.
• Who do you think you are?
“A million loud voices … keep us from the million little ways [Jesus] wants to show up through us to the world,” Freeman writes.
The Surpassing Grace
The word “surpass” means to exceed, to go beyond, to transcend the reach or capacity of. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, St. Paul refers to “the surpassing grace of God that he has given you” (2 Corinthians 9:14, NRSV). Paul was reminding the Corinthians of the amazing, abundant grace God had showered upon them.
When Paul wrote that letter, the church in Jerusalem was suffering intense persecution. The members were poor and struggling to be faithful under dire circumstances.
Paul knew the church at Corinth was doing fine financially and that they had a mind to help out the Jerusalem church. He wrote: “You glorify God … by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they … pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you” (2 Corinthians 9:13-14, NRSV).
Consider how you can share God’s surpassing grace with others in need.
The Sounds of Worship
Have you ever paused to listen — really listen — to the world around you?
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (Psalm 98:4, ESV)
The hum of morning birdsong. The laughter of children. The comforting voice of a friend. Even the quiet moments of stillness. These aren’t just background noise — they’re invitations to worship.
God designed a world that sings. Worship isn’t limited to Sunday mornings or formal songs; it’s woven into the everyday moments that tune our hearts to Him. And when we pause to truly hear it, we are drawn into praise, right where we are.
What sound lifts your heart toward God today? Take a moment to listen. Let it remind you of His love and nearness.
October Mission of the Month: Turning Point