Perspective

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:48

This verse, in 11 words, sums up the totality of what God expects of His people. His image-bearers on earth. I read these words and feel hopeless. As I should. There is no way a mortal human being can live like this. Perfection is beyond the reach of mankind.

As you read through Matthew chapter 5 you can't help but feel helpless. There is no way I can...

...not be angry with my brother. How many times have I called people "fool?"

...guard my heart from lust. How many times have I lusted after a woman in my life? Before marriage and after?

...control my mouth. How many times have I pleaded in a gust of words that I would do this or that? How many oaths have I sworn carelessly?

...show love in the face of insult. And turn my cheek? I'd rather slap back. And have multiple times.

...love my enemies. This is beyond my ability to comprehend. I love to hang with those of similar interests. But what about the broken-hearted and downtrodden? Am I willing to enter their pain, for Christ's sake?

And yet this is what God commands His people. Who will save me from my inability to save myself? Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection. His life as God's perfect, obedient, loving Son. He must take my place in God's eyes...for my death...for my sin...for my rebellion. Imputation. Christ's righteousness for my sin. My sin for Christ's righteousness. Quite the deal, eh?

Once again I am reminded that I can do NOTHING to earn salvation and be right in God's eyes.

"Dust in the wind. All we are is dust in the wind." These lyrics from Kansas sum up the human experience. Vanity. All is vanity outside of Jesus Christ. We are cut off from the source of life and now live lives of short futility...until Jesus comes along and fundamentally changes us.

The gospel brings perspective. God is high. I am low. God shows love. I love myself.

Thank you Jesus for your perfection.