Wednesday, June 4, 2025

“What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.” (Galatians 6: 15 =-17, New Living Translation)

           Finally, my car has gone to the collision repair shop to have its ugly dented hood and fender replaced. It has been several weeks since our horrendous ice storm here in Peterborough.  A huge tree limb fell on the hood during that storm.  It was a grievous blemish on a brand-new car. I was reminded of it every time I got in the car. So, I am relieved that it is going to be repaired and hopefully it will be as good as new.

            Would that human scars could be so easily repaired and our hearts, souls and minds made new. “I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” (Psalm 73: 14) Many of the Psalms speak honestly, frankly and unabashedly about the burden of conflicts, suffering, hopelessness and despair which get between themselves and others or between themselves and God. They pour out their hearts and souls with complaints, confusion, weariness and fear. ‘I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain.” (Psalm 38:17) They often refer to the scars left my enemies, opponents, critics, judgers and all those who seek them harm. Sometimes, the hurt comes from someone close and beloved: “It is not an enemy who taunts me - I could bear that… Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.” (Psalm 55: 12 -14)  

            So yes, we all carry scars, I believe. Some may be physical as well as mental as in cases of abusive relationships.  We may have emotional scars from someone who has taunted us, ridiculed us, argued with us, told lies about us, insulted us, ignored us, told us off, hated us or treated us as unimportant and insignificant. These wounds hurt; they fester; their toxins spread; they leave their nasty mark on our soul and psyche. And one just can’t drive into the body shop and leave it there and come back when it is fixed. These types of scars tend to be forever visible and present, an ugly reminder of the past. “I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.” (Psalm 69:29)

            So, what is a person supposed to do? Of course, the answer is to turn your life over to Jesus Christ. (Hey, I am not much of a preacher/writer if I don’t say that, am I?)  Specifically, I am thinking along the lines of what Paul wrote a number of times, “to have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2) We choose intentionally not to give into all the negativity, all the disturbing noise, all the disapproval, all the nastiness and pain.  Rather, we fill our minds, hearts and souls with the positivity, the wellness, the redemption which Jesus Christ gives us. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:5)   

Have the same mind; try to think and act as if Jesus was by your side and encouraging you every step of the way. It may take some time or some practice to have the mind of Jesus. Get to know him more deeply by reading about him in the Gospels; pray more often; think about what he does and what he asks of us.  Ask yourself how you can be more like him, hour by hour, day by day.  The scars and pain will become less vivid, less sore, less intrusive, less destructive.” So, you have pain now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”  (John 16:12) With this new mindset, those scars now signify that you belong to Jesus.

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse… Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (Philippians 4: 8-9, The Message Bible)

Dale