Choose your mess

So:

-I have issues
-You have issues
-Those we work with have issues
-Those we interact with have issues

Add it all up and you get one big mess.

But a mess is what Jesus chose to be born into when he arrived on this planet. 12 messes were what he chose for 12 disciples. The Kingdom of God emerging from the mess was what he preached. Eventually he died for the mess.

Today, he is merciful enough to save messes like me; gracious enough to work in messes like me; generous enough to work through messes like me; and patient enough to stick with messes like me (despite frequent royal screw-ups).

Whatever you choose to do in the Kingdom of God, expect a mess. Remember that you are part of the mess. Be gracious with the messes (people) around you. While you're at it, have fun. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be a pleasure to be around. Avoid the 'spiritual gift' of speck-spotting (Matthew 7:3). Work hard. Do stuff when you don't feel like it. Smile.

The alternatives to not being in a mess are: (1) another mess, (2) pulling out altogether. Since the latter is not an option biblically...

Choose your mess.

---------------------------------

[This post is dedicated to George Verwer, who coined the term "messiology" (ie, mess + missiology).]