Driftwood

1 Corinthians 1:27-28 – “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:”

During World War II a chaplain on an island in the Pacific built a chapel from the pieces of broken ships which littered the shores. Perhaps it was not a structure of beauty, but services were held there, and the Gospel was preached and praises were offered to God.

This island sanctuary is a picture of what the Savior is doing as He builds His Church. You see, the Lord does not save only those who have a pleasant disposition, an attractive appearance, a winsome personality, or a strong character. He even receives drunkards, drug addicts, adulterers, thieves, and murderers when they acknowledge their sin, repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 says that people considered by the world to be foolish, weak and base are freely forgiven and wondrously renewed by the Lord’s grace.

  • It should make us humble.
  • It should fill us with love and concern for people whom we do not find attractive.
  • God loves them and so should we.
  • It should help us to understand why Bible-believing Churches are far from perfect, and why some Christians are not as likable as some unsaved people.

If God saved only nice people, our Churches would have fewer problems. Instead, He redeems all kinds, even the worst, and many of His children will have glaring faults and failings until they reach heaven.

But aren’t you glad the Lord is building His Church out of “driftwood”? It is because He is doing this that I am on my way to Heaven. How about you?