I am convinced that most coffee maker carafes are broken while being cleaned. When left to themselves, the pitchers do their job just fine. However, it is necessary to clean the build up and grime during a coffee maker's lifetime. Scouring, scrubbing or placing in the dishwasher is when they are vulnerable to breakage. A crack or chip may occur when slippery hands drop or bump the pitcher on the sides of the sink.
In a similar way, you and I are just fine when left alone, but as soon as God pulls us out and begins a holy scrubbing, we are at risk of breaking. We are going along fine in life without realizing the grimy buildup staining our lives. We need cleaning, but the slippery ways you and I live against God brings a risk of getting a chip of offense or broken feelings.
God's hands always have a safe grip on us. It is when God uses others to restore our condition that mishaps occur. Either, people minister or counsel hurriedly or we get offended when others try to do something about our condition. Our feelings are cracked open or a chip appears on our shoulders.
Most broken coffee carafes are thrown out and an inexpensive replacement is purchased instead of repairing the damaged pitcher. People are not inexpensive, but precious, valuable and irreplaceable.
If God is using you to clean and restore another person remember to do the following:
1. Use the right cleaning equipment. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with grace, wisdom and discernment to apply generously.
2. Do not be in a hurry. Haste will make waste.
3. Soaking in the water of God's Word helps soften dried on stains. Use Scripture to counsel and correct.
If you are being cleaned by God through others remember:
1. Some stains come off easily and others need repeated washings.
2. Do not rush the process. Haste will lead to incomplete cleaning.
3. Soak in the water of God's word.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.