It’s a refrain many people have said (or thought) and it usually goes like this: “I’m a screw-up; God doesn’t want to bother with me.” Or how about this variation: “God doesn’t care about me ‘cause I’ve done way too much bad stuff.” And finally, this one: “I can’t do any of that religion stuff ’til I get my act together.”
To all these statements, I present this neat little story: the pastor stood before many hundreds of people and asked if anyone had a mint-condition 20-dollar bill he could borrow. Someone put up their hand and handed over the cash.
The pastor held up the money and asked how many people saw value in this piece of paper. Hands shot up from all around the church. Great. Then he scrunched up the 20-dollar bill, tossed it on the ground and vigorously stepped on it.
After that, he picked up the beaten-up bill, held it high and once again asked how many people saw value in it. The same number of hands shot up.
Well, how about that? In perfect shape or beaten up and tattered, the congregation still saw the money as having worth.
If that’s the case for people and 20 bucks, why wouldn’t it be the case for the creator of the universe and us incredibly imperfect humans?
Looking for evidence? One of the earliest followers of Jesus of Nazareth (who many people believe is the Son of God) wrote this: “God showed his great love for us by sending Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners.”
See? He didn’t hold back his compassion for us and His interest in every part of our lives until we cleaned up our act. God moved FIRST, knowing that we can never truly get our act together enough. God moved FIRST, knowing that something had to be done so people like me can have all our wrongs righted by believing in and following Jesus.
I’m about as imperfect as the most tattered, dirty and beaten-up 20-dollar bill you’re ever going to see. But to the creator of all that is good and right, I’m as valuable as the newest, cleanest, most perfect piece of currency you could possibly find.
The same is true for YOU. God proved it through Jesus and offers YOU a place in eternity with Him. Interested in knowing more about this offer? Post your questions below and let’s have a conversation
Frank's Cottage 
Amen. Have you ever seen the Youtube video “Jesus wants the Rose”? This essay reminds me of that. Of course, Jesus wants us when we are battered and filthy that’s what we all are to him, and he loves us anyway. Now that’s a basic tenet of Christianity.
God bless.
Thanks for reading and for your kind comment! 🙂
The propensity of the church-going public to reinforce the lie that you have to clean yourself up before you can come to God makes me angry enough to scream!
I want my church filled with drug addicts, homosexuals, abuse victims, the homeless, the suicidal and the practising witches! We have the good news they need, don’t push them away!
Yes! Absolutely! Thanks for reading, for commenting and for your passion!! 🙂
If we had to be perfect before we could enter the church, no one would be there. It’s exactly why Christ came to save us. Great point, great story, Frank!
Very nicely put, Martha. Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
James Howell, former pastor of Davidson United Methodist Church in the United States, stated the same very simply: “Church is not a palace for perfect people, but a hospital for hypocrites!”
May all who wish to be healed, nurtured, loved and grow spiritually come and be fed, morsel by morsel, the words and teachings of our awesome and loving God.
James put it very well, Roberta. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
That was a perfect analogy Frank. Thanks for sharing
Right on, Frank.