March 9 Only An "R" Seperates Scared From Scarred!

Sometimes when injury occurs, mistakes are made, and people or entities can be scarred. You can probably think of a business that was scarred by an error they might have caused. You might even be thinking about an event that you were a part of it happening to.

Think of your luggage being lost. Think of the customer service representative who handled a complaint in a very cursory manner. You might have gotten the wrong order at a fast-food restaurant. These have the potential to scar the business and the client or customer.

A scar is a process on the human body that shows it has been recovered and ready to function again. But the event that caused the scar can initiate fear, resentment, and avoidance of situations that caused the damage in the first place.

The scars can serve as a reminder to us of what happened, or it can serve another purpose as well. Will we use the scars to help us to do things in a different manner the next time? It is our perception that can transform. That is like the power of the letter r in the words.

It totally changes the meaning and eventual result. We can allow negative events to help shape a more positive future. What are the three biggest scars of the last ninety days? What are the three most positive things that can happen because you know of a scar?

What will you do about it in the next seven days?

In Mark 15:15, we begin to read about the physical injury that would surely have scarred Christ if he would have been allowed to recover. The flogging, the crown of thorns and the crucifixion injured him. As Christians, our hearts are filled with joy knowing that Christ was resurrected three days later.

But let us not forget the wounds that he suffered. These wounds remind us that Christ suffered. That suffering was for you and for me. But notice that his wounds did not have a chance to become scars. For us, we can use the wounds of Christ's injuries to make a difference in our attitudes and

 behaviors.

Will we allow ourselves to be scarred or just mentally wounded? Consider if we really need to complain about our injuries. Will the complaining heal us any faster or bring us to a stronger relationship with others or Jesus?

I do not believe that trying to show that my scars are deeper, more harming than yours is a way to honor Christ. What injuries caused scars that you might be holding onto? Where can we allow the wounds of Christ to allow us to transform the scars?

How we choose to think about the wounds and scars matters. A comparison of our scars to Christ’s wounds might be enlightened and lifting. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Father God, thank you for giving us Christ. In our minds, we avoid scars and injury but you have used the wounds of your Son to let us know how much you love us. Help us to remember that our scars are the result of a healing process.

Let your Holy Spirit be upon us this week as we think how the scars may be a useful reminder. Make us to be in stronger relationships, relate to others better, and to fully serve your world. May our thoughts and actions glorify your Holy name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,