Tattered, Bruised-and Used

"... God is not easy on the people who get used in the gospel drama. But we do receive the most wonderful blessing for our troubles, which is worn on our lives. It's called character.

Spiritual character is what's most needed in Christian leadership today, and yet we cannot learn or achieve it. There is no psychological test or spiritual gifts inventory that can adequately measure it. No seminary offers a degree program in it. Character only comes, a day at a time, as we allow ourselves to be over-handled by the story.

... the Holy Spirit is determined to complete our transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. Often it hurts to be in the hands of that sacred creativity. There is no easy way to receive the character of Christ.

... As anyone who learned faith .. knows, the worst thing isn't to be a tattered and bruised ... The worst thing is not to be used. "

~ from LeadershipJournal.net