I am not perfect.
I am so far removed from perfection that if perfection were the sate of Texas, I would be Alaska...the northern most tip of Alaska and about to fall off into the ocean headed northward from there. That is the state of my flesh in this world, and nothing I do alone can change my location or bring me back to my southern state.
Ah, but friends, there is still hope. He came down as a man, born of a virgin, crucified because of the fears and insecurities of hopeless religion, and was resurrected three days later to pour that hope into the hearts of those who would preach, write and train others to spread this good news to the masses. (How's that for a run-on sentence?)
Because of the Body that was beaten and broken for me, and the Blood that washes away the stickiest of sin residue, I am allowed to be perfect in the eyes of the Master that created me. And that is the only perfection that I would so willingly seek if it had not already been given to me on the day of my rebirth.
Some might ask "if you know you have been, and will be, forgiven all of your sins, why continue to live a clean life at all?" And the answer, for me, is simple: love. I love my Lord and Savior more and more each day because of mercies that are new each morning. Because I love Him - because He gave His life for mine - I am eager to surrender it all to Him. And the life He leaves in place of my flesh is one that seeks to bring glory and honor to His name. His will is perfect. HE is perfect. And I am in awe.
Abba, Father, thank you for the perfection of your Son who stands in our place and covers us with His saving grace. We are so close to the day of celebration for His birth and yet we cannot, should not, and will not wait to worship Him. Every breath, every moment, every day we shout in exaltation: Our God Reigns! Thank you, Lord, for the Word made Man. Thank you for loving us enough to provide the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live anew. Thank you for the Prince of Peace!
Image by don2g via Flickr
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