11/11/2021
Scripture teaches us over and over again that we are to be like Jesus, and our Heavenly Father. We were created in the image of God, and then we are instructed to love as God loves, pray as Jesus prays, and among many other examples, we are instructed to forgive as they forgive. These things lead us towards becoming perfect as God is perfect… which is what we have been instructed to be. Yet, given our damaged human nature doesn’t the thought of failing to be perfect frighten us?
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:46-48 ESV
This idea of perfection really does seem unreachable to us; after all we are the same people who fail at so many small everyday tasks. We bake a cake, and it falls in the pan, we repair our car and break off a bolt in the process. We study a single chapter in a history book for hours on end, but when tested we don’t get 100% of the questions right. So if we fall short of perfection in these trivial earthly things, then how can we ever be perfect as God is perfect? If this doesn’t cause us concern then I don’t know of anything that should, but don’t fear because we have help…
“When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
Matthew 19:25-26 ESV
God abides in Jesus, Jesus abides in us, and the Holy Spirit has been given to us to bring us understanding, comfort, to help us pray, and so many other spiritual helps. With all of these within us, and hovering about us, we are never alone, never left to our own devices, and are not leaning on our own understanding. In this, our fear of failing to become perfect should be greatly diminished, and one day it will be gone altogether. Suddenly our ability to forgive as God forgives seems possible, and loving our enemies doesn’t appear to be such a daunting task after all.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 ESV
Much like the apostles, we are astonished beyond measure by what Jesus is capable of doing, and this astonishment comes from our belief that we could not possibly do such a thing… that it is something we thought impossible.
“And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:37 ESV
Grace sets us free from the shackles of fear that is based on what we can do ourselves, and as we continue to advance in faith, what once appeared impossible for us becomes routine. From the moment we believe, our transformation begins, and we are set upon the way to perfection. We remain fearful because although we are becoming like Jesus, and God, we are doing so by taking one step at a time. Yet I once we realize that we are not transforming ourselves, but are being transformed by God through Christ, then our trepidation subsides, and our journey becomes much easier.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 ESV
So, we seek out our own salvation with fear and trembling, but it is only by Jesus Christ that God has perfected us. Are we on the road to perfection today? Do we pray that we will be perfected in Jesus? Is our fear being replaced by the peace we find in Christ?
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:14 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who lived as man, suffered, died, and was resurrected, so that we would be redeemed from sin, and made perfect, even as we are being sanctified. Help us Lord to be courageous and without fear, as we make this journey of faith in which you transform us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who can take fallen men and women like us, and remake us in your image; sanctifying, and perfecting us. Praised be your name for every step in this pilgrimage towards perfection that leads us into your kingdom, and the eternal worship of you. Merciful are you who doesn’t leave us to our own devices, and understanding, but has given us divine help as we travel this way. Your grace is sufficient for us Father, and we pray that at the end of our earthly days we will be pleasing, and acceptable before you; perfect in Christ, sanctified, deserving of eternity, and to be called your children forevermore.
Rich Forbes