Over the past few weeks, I have been part of an Alpha group. For those who don't know what the course does, it explores the nitty gritty of the Christian faith and allows people to ask questions in a safe place without judgement. Now, what could a seasoned Christian learn from Alpha? It appears you can still learn plenty! One thing I have learned that no matter how we try our best, or even learn as much as we can, we are still imperfect, much like the surface of a bronze mirror (pictured).
Bronze mirrors were the only way anyone could shave, or even beautify themselves in ancient times. A great deal of effort was required to have them polished to shine brightly to reflect a face. However, in a lot of ways, the reflection was often fractured, much like our own walk. Despite all our best efforts, we are incomplete. First Corinthians 13:12 puts it this way "Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely" (New Living Translation).
You see, this side of heaven we will be not yet finished, but once we meet Jesus face to face, all shall be made clear. Now that I am older, I have learnt over the past few weeks to value the imperfect, because we all share it together and when we are in unity there is joy, knowing that God will make us whole once more. Our imperfect state not only makes us more relatable as believers, but gives hope to a world that desperately needs to hear there is good news to be had, there is more to life to live and love to share.
