“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by filling the breaks with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, or other precious metal. The philosophy behind the tradition treats breaks as part of the history of an object. Instead of trying to hide the repairs, they are illuminated.

We are all “broken things”. The very reason for the necessity of Christ’s crucifixion is the fact that it is impossible for us to get it right. When we allow Jesus into our heart, his purity fills in our breaks and makes us whole again. What if, as Christians, instead of trying to appear like we have it all together, we admit our struggles, share the trials we’ve weathered, and how the Holy Spirit lead us back into the will of God? I have made many many mistakes since the day of my salvation. Some of them small and inconsequential, some were life alteringly huge, some of them remain as jagged scars, while not visible to the naked eye, they are clearly there, I feel their presence within me. The glorious thing that we should be shouting to the world is that, even though I am a Christian, that doesn’t mean that I’m perfect or better than anyone else, it means I know the One who is and who can perfect me with His love. My scars remain, but they are covered and and healed with the love of Christ. I may have left God’s perfect will for a time, but when I repented, I was restored back to a right relationship with the Father. I have no desire to glory in my sins, you’ll never hear me telling funny stories of the stupid things I’ve done, but I do want to glorify the Lord who was faithful to forgive me. What if we showed the world our breaks and scars that are filled with the incredible pure redemptive love given freely by God?

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

We shouldn’t hide our scars from each other. Even as Christians, we will suffer breaks and chips that can be filled in with the beauty of the Father as we repent daily and work to stay in the perfect will of God. As we meet together in worship, study, and prayer, it’s important for us to share our struggles with fellow believers. Opening up about the burdens that we carry creates opportunities for our fellow believers to pray for us. It can also give hope to those struggling with similar issues that haven’t yet resolved them and live in shame of their condition. Our confessions of struggles could even open the way for the Holy Spirit reprove a hardened heart, bringing them back into a close fellowship with the Lord.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

In Kintsukori, the gold that seals the scars glows much like Holy Spirit, who seals us as believers, shines through a life lived in will of God. The vessel itself takes a backstage to the repairs. The object that was once broken beyond use becomes useful again and with a simple glance we can see the reason for its usefulness. Our very countenance changes when we are walking in step with His will. He shines through. Our life becomes one that glorifies Him.

How often do you take a spiritual inventory? Spend time in prayer and study and check that you haven’t allowed yourself to wander from the path God has for you? Take time to do it today.