I have a set of books called “Harvard Classics – The Five Foot Shelf of Books.” It is a collection of the greatest literature of the world. It comes with a daily reading guide that suggests reading selections for the day. I have all 51 books but my volume #7 does not match the set. My set is blue and my volume #7 is brown. Am I being anal because this bothers me? On Amazon.com I can get a matching #7 for a very reasonable price of less than ten dollars including shipping. My problem is why? I already have #7. The only reason I would purchase this is because of some mental quirk. When I look at the set it is not perfect. This is ridiculous. I need to see a shrink.
However, there is much to be said in favor of perfection. In Hebrews 2 Paul tells us that because Jesus was perfect He is now able to be our high priest and save us by His grace. “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
I have known sincere, serious Christians who have been miserable because they were trying so hard to be perfect because they believed it was the only way to be saved. However, the Gospel is very clear about our salvation. It is a gift. Accept it and live and then together with the Holy Spirit’s help, out of gratitude, strive to be like Jesus. Enjoy the teamwork.
Spring Of Life