The Breathtaking Beauty of the Body of Christ

Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

When we observe beauty in nature, we are usually not focused on a single object, but on the beauty of a single object or objects within the context of the total surroundings.  If we separate out the single objects, we will find that none of them are perfect.  But when we consider the single objects as integral parts of their settings, we are treated to sites that we deem to be perfectly beautiful.

In this same way, God creates beauty in our lives.  Even though we are not perfect, God can use us perfectly within the environment that He places us.  As individuals in the flesh, we have many imperfections, but as spirit-filled members of the Body of Christ we attain the perfect beauty that Jesus is looking for in His bride. 

The Lord sees His Church as wonderful and beautiful.  He does not see the Church as individuals struggling to be perfect as He is perfect.  He does not see the affliction and filth of the individual members living in the flesh.  He sees the breathtaking beauty of the Body of Christ clothed in His holiness, glory and perfection.  He sees the work in us that was completed on the Cross. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You that we are made perfect through the redemption that Your Son, Jesus, has procured for us.  We bless the name of Jesus for allowing us to forget the things that are behind us, both our sins and our labors that are of no value to the kingdom.  We pray that we be given the grace to press forward with all of our focus on the holy desires, hopes and endeavors that bring us into union with Our Savior who has made us His own.   We rejoice in knowing that our day to be with Him has been set aside for all eternity.  We ask all these things in the name of the One who prepares us to be His bride, Jesus Christ.