Rough & Ready

The font at St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow in Shropshire is one of the crudest I have ever seen. This cannot be excused for being so old (twelfth-century) because many others of that period are beautifully carved and shapely in form. Neither can we blame it on being some piece of 1960s’ junk, offering an ironic take on theological orthodoxy. I cannot account for its roughness, but I do think it appropriate.

Whatever my reservations about infant-sprinkling, baptism marks the beginning of our Christian journey. While freely justified by faith in Christ’s finished work, we are barely our of our previous, godless lifestyles. Sin’s stains cling stubbornly to us and our minds still need constant, ongoing renewal. The Holy Spirit has begun His sanctifying work and our feeding on His word produces fruit -but all very slowly. We remain rough, unkempt, frayed and crude, but the finished product is still to come. While always seeking to be holier and godlier, do not grow discouraged by the roughness and coarseness; the Master Craftsman will one day complete the job.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 24.