Toilet Paper Ministry

As I was listening to a radio show in the car, the speaker talked about our memories. Out of the blue, an old memory came. I hadn’t thought about it for probably decades. So it surprised me.

Many of us have been on the receiving end of hurtful words. Sometimes the words are sincerely hurtful. But other times things are blurted out in moments of anger and frustration. And quite often the speaker did not truly mean the words they spoke.

At the time, the words can be quite painful. But occasionally they are kind of humorous too if they seem out of character for the speaker.

As part of my childhood, someone fairly close called me “ass wipe” on some occasions. I had forgotten about it until it strangely popped backed into memory that recent morning. I am not exactly sure what they meant by the term. But I am pretty sure it wasn’t intended as a compliment. It was kind of out of character for the speaker. So I am guessing they had heard someone else refer to a person with that name.

I am in a different place now with some different perspectives. So now I wonder if it was unintentionally prophetic. Some are pastors, some are apostles, some are teachers, and some are toilet paper. (New Charmin Translation)

What a calling! Toilet paper? Being single, I don’t see butts of others. But, as a father, I had diaper duty a few times in my day, making the baby look "good as new" once again. Generally, people don’t regard rears has the most noble part of the body. Although I do know people who spent huge sums of money to enjoy seeing Brett Favre’s butt (clothed) week after week during games at Green Bay.

Okay, you’re probably thinking my twisted, whirled view is off the deep end this time. Stay with me….please.

Even though it is difficult to understand in the short-term, sometimes our past pains have been preparation for future ministry. God can bring good out of our experiences, both pleasant and painful. And that includes hurtful words.

One of the themes of the popular John Eldredge books is that we be restored to our former glory, that we rejoin the Grand Story. Due to the fall with original sin, we have lost much of our former glory. We were created in God’s image. But sin corrupts and distorts things. As we turn over more of our lives to let God work through us. We become more like him. Some of our glory is restored, even while here on earth.

We were created uniquely. You are so awesome in God’s eyes. Your abilities, gifts, and your life experiences add up to great potential. God sees that potential. He sees the mission and role that only you can fill. Nobody can do your unique ministry better than you.

God has created you for a great mission. And when you are moving in that mission, your glory will be revealed, and his glory will be revealed through you. It is a glorious thing to see someone changing the world, making things on earth as it is in heaven, in ways that fit well with their design and experiences.

Humbly, toilet paper restores part of the body to its original glory. Then that part of the body can play a supporting role for many key parts of the body. Toilet paper brings cleansing.

Perhaps we have a role/roll in helping Christians discover and maintain a life path that is the destiny for which they were created. And when things get a little messy, let us help them clean up the crap and feel loved and respected again. Let us gently restore beauty and dignity to those who are trying, but occasionally fall. Let us be People of the Second Chance.