Restoration Is Worth The Price
By Randy E. Williams

I once worked with a guy who liked to restore cars, especially muscle cars. The nicest one that he restored, in my opinion, was a ‘68 Chevy Corvette. Metallic blue with a white convertible top, set off by chrome mag wheels and dual exhaust. Everything that he put on the car was just how the original owner had it. He worked from old photographs, family memories, and talked with people in the business who really knew ‘Vettes. It took him a long time. He had to scour the countryside looking for original parts, but when he was finished, the car was truly a work of art.
1968 came alive again for him as he cruised with his top down and an 8-track tape of the Beach Boys set the mood for a Saturday afternoon ride. When he drove down the road, he got lots of honks, waves and nods from ‘Vette enthusiasts and curious wannabes. Final analysis? It was worth every penny, every drop of sweat and every frustration.

Now, if a car is worth all that . . ., how much more is a brother or sister worth?
Whenever something is restored, it is made it like new again. It is returned it to its original condition and purpose. Of course it is different. Just as valuable, maybe more so, than before.
The New Testament teaches in Galatians 6:1, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch of yourself, lest you too be tempted."that’s what family is for. Not only do we correct the erring brother (or sister), we also give them a place at the table once again. Too often we never trust them again or treat them the same.

It is easy to look away when we see something going array. It’s easier still to talk about them behind their back, and treat them like aliens from another planet or just be plain rude. However, we cannot be obedient and do these things.

After we have removed the log from our own eye so that we my see clearly, then we should go to that person, one-on-one and seek to restore them. This must be done with all humility and with gentleness. Sometimes, it helps to share from the depths of your experience, perhaps when you were in error once and how someone help you get out.