My Son and The Plunger

Today, Wyatt, my son, who is 16 months old brought his dad a present. He was so proud of himself when he ran into the den with our plunger. I am glad we have a plunger, but there were two problems when I saw the plunger this afternoon: 1. It was in my den and 2. my young son, who chews on his hands constantly, was holding the plunger.

That got me to thinking. When you need a plunger, there's no replacement for it and you are willing to put up with the fact that it is covered with gross bacteria because you are shoving it into a dirty toilet. However, for all other occassions of life, a plunger is, well...out of place. And, let's be honest, as proud as Wyatt was to bring me the plunger, that is not the gift that I want from anyone.

The funny thing is, according to the Bible, the best gifts we have to offer to God are about like a plunger. Outside of his grace, even our best attempts to do good are like filthy rags in his presence. And yet, God loves us anyway. We come to God with plunger in hand, and he gives us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. It's an unfair exchange, but I'm glad to receive it.

We serve a great and gracious God. But let's always be careful that we boast in the proper way. We can boast in our God and in the gifts he gives, but before you boast about what have to offer to God, think about that plunger...gross.