Are you scum or a saint?

“Why does he eat with such scum?”

That question appears in the Bible, near the end of Luke 5, New Living Translation. It’s the Pharisees ripping on Jesus behind his back. They were appalled that he actually had the gall to dine with some folks who weren’t perfect.

I crack up every time I read it.

At first glance, it’s not particularly funny in a Chris Rock standup or Joe Pesci “Goodfellas” sort of way.

It’s more like: Haha, they’re talking about me.

I’m that scum.

In fact, I’ve been called much worse.

Maybe you have, too.

“Why does he eat with such scum?”

Maybe you’ve cut someone off in traffic. He thinks you’re scum.

Maybe you’ve hired one job candidate over another. She thinks you’re scum.

Maybe you put a sign up in your yard to promote a particular politician. Your neighbor thinks you’re scum.

Maybe you coach a team that was supposed to win big this year, but you didn’t. Your fan base thinks you’re scum.

Maybe you’ve taken a stand for a particular issue in your school district. Those who oppose you think you’re scum.

Seeing a trend here?

I’m scum.

So are you.

“Why does he eat with such scum?”

One familiar coffee company might believe “The world runs on Dunkin,” but it actually runs on scum.

Scum like you and me.

We drive trucks.

We build homes.

We cut hair.

We repair sinks and toilets.

We manicure lawns.

We sell appliances.

We even stand on altars and stages and teach from a book called the Bible.

“Why does he eat with such scum?”

Because God created us. (Genesis 1).

And you’re not going to believe why: For his glory (Isaiah 43:7).

It gets even better: He’s chosen to captivate a watching world through people like you and me (Matthew 5:16).

Crazy, isn’t it?

When some people see us, they see “scum.”

When others see us, they see a reflection of God.

You, friend, are polarizing to some people.

And you are quite attractive to others.

OK, let’s return to Luke 5 and see how Jesus responded to our question of the day: Why does he eat with such scum?

“Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

In other words …

The people who have the most influence are the ones who realize they can’t control others.

And the people who are most helpful are the ones who realize they need the most help.

So which is it? Am I scum or a saint?

If we’re honest, we can easily travel back and forth. We’re all sort of like a mosaic. Although we’re created in God’s image, we’re just not sure how all of our broken pieces fit together into something special and beautiful — until someone shows us how. Here’s what Ephesians 2:10 says:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

So the next time you doubt, the next time you feel like an imposter, the next time you’re wondering if you should be in a position of influence, here’s the real question we need to ask:

You know the God who created the stars, the moon, the mountains and the oceans?

He chose to make one of you, too.

Now I hope you know why.

(Tim Kolodziej is the author of this piece and founder of EnspireU.com. When he’s not behind a laptop, he can be found inside a gym helping young athletes create their own unique future — one rep at a time. Click here to connect with him by email.)