Perfectionism
is a Satanic trap to drive us into insanity. If we can never measure up to the
ethereal standard we think we must attain, then we live under the shadow of the
devil's condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).
If
instead, we walk by the direction of God's Spirit each moment of the day, He
will lead us toward perfection, even as God is perfect. We ignore the devil's accusations,
even though he is walking around like a lion ready to pounce on us (1 Peter
5:8).
Enoch
walked with God during His lifetime on this earth, and one day God took Him
home with Him to Heaven. Enoch enjoyed constant fellowship with our Lord while
he lived on this earth, and he did not experience physical death (Genesis 5:24;
Hebrews 11:5).
We
can follow Enoch's example by living in the presence of God regardless of our
circumstances. Our trials and temptations are opportunities to honor Christ
with our life and to bring Him glory (1 Peter 1:7; John 9:1-4).
Christ
crucifies our soul through sanctification; He is our whole life. He lives
within us and we are dead to this world, our flesh and the devil (Galatians
2:15-25; Colossians 3:3-4).
When
we live by our convictions (Romans 5:1-5), we have a better chance of pleasing
God with our faithfulness. We trust in the wisdom of Christ within us, rather
than relying on our own human reasoning. We stand strong and overcome, coming
out of the fire as pure gold (Job 23:10; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Corinthians
10:13).
Prayer:
Father
God, with You residing within us, and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, we do
not have to give in to the temptation to sin. Help us to be vigilant in times
of temptation to see Your provision for our way of escape. Keep us from
choosing to sin and help us always to choose righteous thoughts, words and
deeds instead.
Thank
you for dwelling within us and giving us the goal of walking in sinless
perfection. We want to intimately dwell with You now and in eternity. As the
called according to Your purpose, we trust in Your grace, goodness and
faithfulness to us, and to Your promise to work out everything - even suffering
and death - for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Thought
for the Day:
A
life of sinless perfection is achieved, one moment at a time; living a life of
holiness is our tribute to Christ for the sacrifice He paid by becoming a man
and dying on the cross in our place.
