Tossed Aside

Written By Betty Predmore

2 CORINTHIANS 6: 1-13

(September 2, 2022)

When my oldest was about three, he spotted this little boy doll in the store. "My Lil' Buddy" was his brand name and he was dressed in blue overalls and a striped shirt. (I know this sounds strangely familiar to a famous horror movie doll but let me assure you he was not.)

My son carried that little guy with him everywhere he went. He named his Marvin, and I have absolutely no idea why. But Marvin was an important part of our family who went on all our adventures with us.

When my son was about five, Marvin started taking a backseat to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Power Rangers, and Batman. Before too long, Marvin was at the bottom of the toy box, tossed aside for greater things.

I rescued Marvin from the bottom of the box after a couple of years. None of my other kids wanted anything to do with him because they were afraid of him. I cleaned him up and gently stored him away, hoping that someday I would have a grandson who would love him as much as my little boy had loved him for a short time.

Poor Marvin had been tossed aside, traded for something better. He was no longer needed, nor was he useful. This is exactly the way Paul is feeling. He and his workers had done everything they were supposed to do. They lived a righteous life that wouldn't cause anyone temptation. They demonstrated time and time again that they were true ministers of God.

These men went through many hardships and struggles. They were beaten, imprisoned, overworked, and starved. But time and time again they proved themselves to be pure, despite the hardships they faced.

So much of what they did was done because of their love for the people of Corinth. These people saw all that they went through. But still, they tossed them aside and refused to open their hearts to them.

Maybe it was because so many false teachers had taught so many different messages that they doubted if Paul's words were actually true. They heard his message, but they didn't let it penetrate into their hearts and change the way they did things.

How discouraging it must have been for Paul and his gang of merry men to go through so much and try so hard, only to be ignored. Instead of being tossed aside for Batman and Ninja Turtles, they were being tossed aside for the sins of the culture.

Will they ever get it? Will Paul ever get through to them on a deeper heart level? Stay tuned to find out. But in the meantime, I can let you know what happened to poor Marvin.

He is now a favorite play friend of my 4-year-old grandson. Yes, my wish came true!

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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