The Useful Sinner

I was on vacation for the first two weeks of August. When I am on vacation, I have the opportunity to read many books. One book of interest was "The Useful Sinner" by J. David Hawkins. It is out of print but I picked one up for a donation to the Mockingbird ministry web site. The title of the book sums up the piece quite nicely, sinners become useful to God because of God's grace shown in Jesus Christ. Hawkins tells his story of unfaithfulness to his wife and of her forgiveness. Hawkins shows the effects of sin (which in his case was quite damaging, ruining friendships and a career) as well as the effects of God's grace. It is a short book, yet a wonderful portrayal of the realities of sin and grace. The sinner becomes useful to God because of God's forgiveness in Christ. Hawkins learned through his ordeal that God is merciful, just, forgiving, and in control. God's way is always best. May we walk by faith and in Christ be useful sinners as well!