Potential or Problem? A guest post by Cece Tillman

photo of Cece Tillman taken from her FB page and cropped

Two days ago (this past Sunday), my friend Cece Tillman wrote what she called "a sermon to myself". She wrote an insightful piece that caught my attention and cause me to pause and reflect.

I asked Cece for permission to share her post as a guest writer and she said yes!

I know Cece through the Chattanooga Lafayette Emmaus Community. We have known each other for several years and are getting to know each other better. She is a deep thinker. She has a huge compassionate heart. She lives and loves like Christ, the one she follows. 

Here is Cece's "sermon":

Potential or Problem? -TODAY’s

SERMON TO MYSELF

What do we see when we see people or situations? Potential or

Problem?

If we looked at the people

around us, who would we choose

to be on our team? What would we be looking for? The best and brightest. We would look for those who are top notch performers, who could help us reach our goals. Who did Jesus (God) choose?

The youngest (David) the trickster (Jacob) the runner (Jonah) the cheater (Matthew) the doubter (Thomas) the deserter (Peter) the Pharisee (Nicodemus) the murderer (Paul) and the know it all (me).

We judge people and situations all the time. We think we have it all figured out. We know how it should go, who should be doing what, and how they should do it. And in the process, we damage people, judge people, push people away and shut the door of the kingdom on people that we think don’t belong.

I’m so guilty of this, God help me. Even when I’m judging the people I see doing this, I’m guilty again. God help me see potential. Help me bring your kingdom. Show me where I’m failing, and make me more like you.

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After reading these words the other day, I wrote this:

Ooohhhh..... this is good! Potential or problem? Obstacle or opportunity? I am so glad Jesus chose a bunch of rabble rousers, as did God! What a good reminder that God has chosen people for God's purposes. We all have edges that need polishing. We all need learning and growth. So, how do we do this life together? Difficult conversations, repentance, forgiveness, restoration, healing.

Thanks for your sermon. It got me thinking. It was great to see you, as always!

P S. Do you blog? This is a good one.

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Today, as I re-read these words, what sticks with me is "make me more like you". That is the goal of a follower of Christ. That is my goal. I want to be more like Christ, made into his image. Living, loving, and leading like Jesus. Poured out for others in love.

Thank you, Cece, for sharing your gift of writing with us.

I invite you to read and re-read her words. What sticks with you? What resonates? What will you take with you into the day?

Potential or problem?

Opportunity or obstacle?

Stepping stone or stumbling block?

The choice is ours.

May it be so.

Debra