Perfection is something that I guess we all dream about for our lives. But let’s face it – we know that it’s an impossible dream. However, that does not mean that we cannot strive to be the very best that we can be. Even that however is a real daily challenge.
This morning during my Bible study time, I read Psalm 19. I’m going to quote some of it (verses 7-14 from TLB) and I challenge you to read it slowly and thoughtfully, really thinking about what it says.
“God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light. God’s laws are pure, eternal, just. They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them. But how can I ever know what sins are lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. And keep me from deliberate wrongs; help me to stop doing them. Only then can I be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime. May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.”
So as a Christian, I believe that God is perfect; and, the first sentence of the Bible passage above tells us that God’s laws are perfect. Then we are told the benefits of those perfect laws and to me, that is a pretty great list of benefits we can enjoy – when they are obeyed.
Laws are made to protect us – whether it’s God’s laws or man’s laws; and breaking those laws have consequences – sometimes minimal, but sometimes serious. We are much better off to do our best to just obey all laws. As the verse goes on to say they can help prevent us from being harmed.
If we want to strive to be the best we can be then we should take God’s laws seriously, because they will also help make us aware of the sinfulness in our heart and help us recognize our faults – even if “hidden.” Then our words and actions will not only be pleasing to God, but they will hopefully have a positive impact on everyone with which we encounter.
Who doesn’t want to be wise, have joy & light in their life? Who doesn’t want to feel safe and to be successful? Who doesn’t want to live guilt free? I would hope that we all would desire those things. So to live the impossible dream to the best of our ability, we just need to learn what God asks of us and then do it. It may not always be easy, but oh, it’s so worth it.
Written by Karran Martin – April 29, 2023
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