Reflecting His Grace and Holiness

Matthew 5:48

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are most comfortable in life when we are around people we like.  We also feel comfortable when we are asked to do things that we know that we are capable of doing successfully.  In these times of ease, our personality and our capabilities shine and our performance appears to be nearly perfect.  Unfortunately, this type of behavior, while pleasing to some, does not usually reflect the presence of the One who dwells within us and does not produce enough fruit to draw the world around us to Our Savior.  It truly affects little.

  

On the other hand, when we follow the perfect example of Jesus during times when we are challenged by our situations, we allow the fruits of the Holy Spirit to flow through us.  The world around us sees the modeling of Our Savior and is drawn to Him.  It is our duty as Christians to desire to press forward in grace and holiness, so that we may conform ourselves to the example of Jesus Christ under even the most difficult circumstances.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for providing Your Son, Jesus, to be our perfect model for life.  We thank You for providing the Holy Spirit to guide us to follow Jesus' example.  We rejoice in knowing that our obedience will result in the gifts of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the world around us.  We pray that we may exhibit unusual grace, gentleness, faithfulness, loving kindness, patience, self-control and goodness as we are being taxed by our situations.  May You receive all the praise and glory, Lord.