Imitators of Christ

(our theme for October)

Matthew 5:48 NIV

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Let me just start today by saying I can easily understand that God is perfect, and I have the same conviction that I am not.  For that reason, it has always intrigued me when a favorite Sunday School teacher likes to dismiss with the words, “Go forth and be perfect.”  It tends to make me laugh because I know I am not perfect, in fact, clearly a long way from it.  If you want to see perfect or something close to it, watch the Olympics, but even in that environment of the world’s best trained athletes, it is still a rare occasion when someone achieves a perfect score. 

Jesus set a standard for perfection which seems to make it obvious how far below the standard I fall.  In my view and left to my own devices, I will never achieve perfection.  It just does not seem possible.  Then I came across a verse in the Gospel of Luke 18:27, which says, “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.””

Does God really expect me to be perfect?  Let’s be honest, God knows better than anyone what a challenge that will be.  The answer is actually Yes, with God I can be perfect.  Now, my life on earth will not achieve a perfect standard, but I can be on a path towards perfection, constantly evaluating how I show God’s love to those around me.  And then ultimately, as Christians we believe that as we stand before God, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will be washed clean of our sins and be presented as perfect.  If the perfect God tells me that is what will happen, then I can have the assurance that I am on the path to perfection.

Will you pray with me today: Father God, you not only are the source of our hope, but you also give us the assurance that with a relationship in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for my sins, I can stand before you beautifully perfect.

I pray that if you are not a part of a faith community, that you would consider seeking out a church knowing that it will not be filled with perfect people, but with people who are on the path to perfection.  Amen.

Today’s message was written and presented by Owen Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.