Every Thursday the Rochester Salvation Army highlights The Salvation Army stores on Facebook and Twitter through the hashtag “Thrifty Thursday.” While the posts feature items from the stores, they also feature articles on repurposing and “Do It Yourself” projects. It’s become a social media trend that expands well beyond The Salvation Army.

There’s an international following of people who enjoy searching for old items that will be new to them. With thrifting comes a constant eye for potential. People find something, examine it, while accepting its flaws and beauties, and then challenge themselves to make it something more.

Perhaps the way we view thrifting is similar to the way God views us. Though each of us bears the scars of sin, God sees genuine beauty. He sees potential. He desires more because He knows we can be so much more.

He would likely buy out the thrift store in a heartbeat if we’d let him.

But with God’s thrift store, He gives us a choice. Though He desires each one of us, He gives us the opportunity to choose Him back.

That dresser in the thrift store isn’t saying, “I’m too scratched. I’m too old. I’m not the right color.” And the person looking to purchase it isn’t either, instead they explain, “I can sand those scratches out. The age really adds to this piece. I might want to add some paint to emphasize the details more.”

Too often we find ourselves explaining every reason we’re not good enough rather than seeing that same potential God sees in us.

God accepts you. He’s already purchased you with the blood of Christ. And if you choose Him back, He’ll do some beautiful things in your life that will bring beauty to each blemish from the past.

Originally posted on RochesterSA.org.