A liar, a manipulator, a whoremonger, a widowed woman on welfare, a prostitute, an adulterer and murderer, and an idolater. These are just a few of the people mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter one. This is the Messianic line, but far from being a godly set of characters. However, it does show us that God uses ordinary, even flawed people, to accomplish his mission here on earth. Does that mean that God condoned the actions of these people? Did he simply wink at these horrible sins? Absolutely not. God desires for us to live holy and righteous lives as believers in Christ. This list of characters also shows us that regardless of our past we can be used of God in a mighty way. Consider the ultimate fruit of this list of characters – Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” They each played a part in the greatest story known to man. Through them the Savior of the world was brought into this world. Likewise, through another set of flawed characters (the church), the story of our Savior is taken to world. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you’re perfect, it just means you are forgiven. Don’t let your past hold you in bondage and keep you from experiencing the joy of being involved in God’s purpose for your life. God can use anyone who is willing to be used, regardless of past transgressions. Do your best to live a godly life, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to be perfect to be used of God. One of the beautiful things about the Bible is that it doesn’t over paint its heroes. They are ordinary people used in extraordinary ways. You can be one of those people if you will simply allow God to use you.