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Every boy who grew up in the '70s, '80s, and '90s believed their trading card collections would be worth a pile of money someday. Unfortunately, many moms didn't. That's why I could hardly control myself when I opened a large, heavy, long-forgotten box.

"Come here, quick!" I shouted to my teenage son. "Take a look at this!"

"Dad, you've got some really good cards here," he said.

We decided to check their value. I learned about a card grading system that helps determine worth by carefully analyzing each card under a magnifying glass.

"Make sure you clean the surface of any lint and fingerprints," suggested one collector.

Likewise, God doesn't mean we should spend our Christian life hapless and idle in our Father's box. We are among God's prized collection and under His close observation. The Holy Spirit is like a magnifying glass, revealing those hidden flaws he wants to remove from our innermost being as He prepares to declare us in gem-mint condition.

We might say, "My edges are worn, my surface is scratched and bent, and my life is off-center. How could I ever be fit for service in God's kingdom?"

But the Lord doesn't look at the outward appearance. Instead, He looks at the heart. He's searching for obedient, broken, and contrite hearts.

When Jesus pulled His card, the blind man bolted from the box of despair and hopelessness. Grateful to the Lord of Mercy for mending his debilitation, he immediately threw his cloak aside, jumped to his feet, and followed Jesus along the road.

Cast aside whatever God asks so you can step out of the box and follow Him.