Removing an archaeological artifact from its original context
removes it from its place in history. Archaeologists cringe when someone walks
into a museum with a newly discovered piece of history hastily dug up from their latest backyard project.
In doing so they removed the piece from the surroundings that actually tell its
story. Each artifact requires a precise and
measured excavation to properly identify its relationship to its surroundings
and its place in history. The context of an artifact reveals as much
information as the artifact itself. Without both parts working together the story
is incomplete.
Your personal history is what gives your life the distinct
character it carries. Paul never distanced himself from his history. He boldly shared his personal history. Don’t try to hide from your past. Use it to show
others how God's plan of redemption has worked out in your life. The testimony of your personal history is
a gift God wants you to share with others.
There is no place in our lives for the kind of shame that would cause us to live apart from our history only allowing our lives to be displayed on a protected fireplace mantle removed from the very
provenance that accurately describes our life. We are God's masterpiece. He wants to display us with all our history intact.
Allow your history, both the
good and the bad, to be known. In that honest representation people will be able to see
how the love of God was powerfully displayed in your life. That will become
your testimony - the historically complete and accurate one.
No comments:
Post a Comment