I'm sure many of you are scratching your head looking at my WFW...soap...hmmmm? Well, this is one of my favorite verses of all time. Recently it was brought to my attention that soap is essentially two parts...caustic and viscous. The caustic part represents TRUTH. Just as the caustic part of soap stirs up the dirt, so truth (law) stirs up sin. The viscous (slippery) part represents GRACE. Just as the slippery soap washes away dirt, so by the grace of God our sins are washed away.
The more I thought about it...a funny thought struck me. Some people (like me, myself and I) are strong on TRUTH and weak on GRACE...I can tell you what's wrong but might not be able to lead you to the One who'll wash it away because my tone, approach, etc. is not tempered with God's GRACE. Some people are strong on worldly GRACE and weak on TRUTH...they are so sensitive to feelings that they don't get to the truth of Jesus Christ, the ONLY way...the Savior from sins.
And just for the record...it doesn't always work to be quiet anymore. I sometimes will sit in a group (let's say a Bible Study) and I'll think..."Just be quiet...you don't need to point that out...breathe..." and then someone will point me out and say, "Hey, Bobbi...I'll bet you have some thoughts on this issue." At moments like that I just pray, "Oh God help me..."
I've had a rather high adrenaline week...you know the kind where you would have produced less stress had you practiced more FAITH and TRUST... Through the trying week and my Bible study I was reminded that the Holy Spirit guides the believer into all truth to bring glory to Jesus Christ!
So, what truth of Scripture do you need soaped?
To whom are you to speak truth? In what circumstance?
Join WFW over with Lori where its all you have to give.
11 comments:
Very great analogy ;) I like your explanation :)
Blessings!
I have been on both sides of that spectrum...great object lesson!
Carrie @ comfortedbyGod.blogspot.com
Bobbi--
You wrote a good analogy of law and grace. I must admit my tendency is toward the law, but God is slowly working on me. After I was diagnosed with a chronic illness I found myself much more compassionate and merciful toward people that I wouldnt have understood before. I still fail but my eyes are opened to the pain others may be going through.
I'll never look at soap the same again! Great job!
By the way, thank you so much for commenting on my recent post!
I love that Bobbi!
Right there with ya! This is great! Thank you for sharing :)
Girl! THAT was a fantastic lesson!
I've found myself in Ephesians lately...(standing in 6 myself) so this just really goes with all I've been reading and hearing! Thank you for sharing this...I'll be "borrowing" it for a lesson! LOVED it!
peace,
lori
I so get what you are saying. Both are important, but I think of Jesus who was equally both, full of grace and truth. That is what I want to be. The soap is a cool illustration.
I can totally relate to you Bobbi! Keeping grace and Truth in balance can be a challenge for me too. :~D
Keeping quiet in women's groups doesn't work for me either. So... I try to preface all my remarks with, "I've learned that..." When I personalize Truth, women who are especially sensitive respond better. (And they don't feel like dummies.)
For these reasons, I'm not a great evangelist. I would rather disciple believers who are open to Truth and are willing to make life changes.
I ♥ you!
(((Hugs)))
Great illustration ...the bar of soap. I think of 1 John 1:9 as my spiritual bar of soap.
But I love how you wrote about Faith and Trust. My theme for this year is trust and obey and that takes Faith!
Blessings,
Debbie
Good one.....I knew I was useless at keeping quiet, so God has given me the group and now I can give others the chance to interrupt me......and bless them they do.
LOL! Did my week get placed on your week?? I know where you are coming from and love the way you broke down the verse. Had me chuckling and going "yup yup yup"...P.S. BTW, I've discovered hiding behind couch cushions doesn't help either...people noticed you all the more trying to hide. LOL
Post a Comment