In our spiritual growth, we often strive to perfect an area that only the Holy Spirit is capable of achieving in our lives (Galatians 3:1-3). We do not realize just how entirely God is able to deliver us from our fears, doubts, insecurities and carnal appetites.
We continually struggle to overcome the sins that so easily trip us up. Yet, in spite of our efforts, we still fall into sin (Romans 7). We try to control these acts of the flesh in vain by quoting scripture, praying vigilantly and watching constantly over our feelings and attitudes.
If we were able to succeed, then God would get no glory for our perfection in those areas. If we accomplish any change through our own effort - and chances are, it may not last very long - we tend to want the praise and recognition for our self.
After about 10 years of trying to please God with my good behavior, I realized that my attempts to gain favor with God resulted from my desire to earn God’s love. I feared that God could not love me with all of my imperfections.
We could never be good enough to earn God's love or favor. Clothed in Christ's righteousness, God remembers our sins no more (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 8:12). If we could perfect our self, we would not need Jesus.
If we could save ourselves, Jesus' sacrifice for us was not unnecessary. Now, when God points out a particular fault to me, I give it back to Him. I ask Him to do His complete work in my life, and He always does (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer:
Father God, I wanted to achieve perfection to make You love me. I forgot that when You look at me, You see Jesus; and therefore, You are already well pleased with me. Even our best behavior falls short of Your mark of perfection. We want to glorify You with our thoughts, words and actions.
Remind us that we deserve no less than the fires of hell for even our best behavior (Isaiah 64:6). In Your mercy, however, and even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Thank You that Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty of our sin.
Thought for the Day:
When God convicts me of a shortcoming, I look up Bible verses about the opposite of that behavior, and I write them down on 3x5 cards and carry them around with me to reread at every available moment; eventually, I start to see Godly behavior and the fruit of God's Spirit manifesting in me instead of my human nature, which used to take control.
- Galatians 5:22-23
