Matthew 5:48 NLT
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.
Honestly, Jesus, surely You don't mean that?
"Nobody's perfect" - we often use that saying to brush off our faults and failings, don't we?
How often have I used that "broom" to sweep my sin under the carpet of the day.
I can hardly drive up the road without having a moan about the potholes or complaining that some driver is taking up all the highway.
Perfect is not the word that springs to mind when describing my behaviour!
So often I'm impatient, grumpy, domineering and self righteous - there, I've said it.
How then can I claim to be a follower of Jesus when there's so much of the "old me" on display?
I fully agree with Paul as he writes in Romans 7:
Romans 7:21-24 NLT
I have discovered this principle of life-that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. [22] I love God's law with all my heart. [23] But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. [24] Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
.....answer:
Romans 7:25 NLT
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
But I have a "new nature" born from above.. sadly, though, while in this earthly body, there will always be a war going on with the "old me" dragging its heels behind, trying to hold me back from "The Way".
Nevertheless, I should never try to quieten Jesus' admonition to be perfect.
It's a glorious goal to aim at...I may be like a striker constantly "hitting the post", "scuffing the shot", failing to score, but I belong to team Jesus and He is my manager, the Holy Spirit my coach. His "tactics" are written in His Word.
Eventually I will get there as I'm in training each day. He'll never drop me from His squad!
Hallelujah - sign up with this winning team today...
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