How comfortable are you at being vulnerable about your shortcomings?

Well, have I got a deal for you.

In this (imaginary) arrangement, you will NEVER have to pay your car tags and taxes again!

And you’ll never have to wait in line at the DMV again either!  And you’ll get your very own personalized vanity plate!

Pretty good deal, huh?

Well, there’s always a catch, and here it is:

You don’t get to choose what goes on the vanity plate.

Your new plate will come in the mail, and you will be required to affix it to the back of your vehicle.

And that vanity plate will say something that points to your deepest fears, shortcomings, or problems.

For the whole world to see.

…

Interested?

Well, before you make up your mind, here are some examples of the kind of license plates you might look forward to.

Take a look:

Those are just a few options.

You’ll receive the plate that makes you feel the most vulnerable.

…

I’m curious.  If this was a real deal, would you take it?

I’m sure the owners of the cars above would.  Heck, they paid their own money to advertise their own shortcomings.

Some of them even seemed proud of their brokenness.

Kind of a “vulnerable” twist on “vanity”, huh?

If that kind of sacrifice seems helpful to you, I suppose it would make for some interesting conversation, in the least. Go for it.

But Psalm 51 says that the kind of a sacrifice God is looking for is brokenness and a contrite heart.

That means you know your shortcomings, and are vulnerable to God about them, and have a sincere desire to grow in faith.

No extra advertising required.

…

Now, I firmly believe that sharing your growth areas with friends and family, or a 12-step group, or a covenant group is immensely helpful.

If nothing else, it reminds you that you’re not the only car in this race, and not the only one who’s license plate could tell a story.

So, how about we pick out plates that encourage each other, and acknowledge our humanness, and remind us of the love of Jesus Christ?

Whew, that’s a lot to fit on one vanity plate.

I’d pay good money and wait in line for something like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(But Good God it’s FREE!)

 

Have a great week,

 

Mitch