A Work in Progress

Posted by thenolans on Dec 30, 2009 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

There is fullness in Christ Jesus. A measure that is given by God to every believer, but we never come to that perfect measure until we get to heaven. As children of God, we are constantly growing. That growth should exemplify the glory of Christ.

We are all sinners. From birth, we have been fallen creatures. God sent His son into the world not to condemn us of our sin, but to save us from it. After we have made a decision to become followers of Jesus, our lives don’t change overnight. Our sin and struggles don’t magically disappear. How easy it would be for a Christian if this were so! God tells us that in this world we will face trials. The difference is that we have a hope to look forward to as well as the Holy Spirit guiding us through our times of struggle.

In Philippians 1:6, Paul tells us that “He who began a good work in you, will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Because of grace, we have God’s forgiveness of our sins. Because we are a work in progress, we are constantly being molded into what God wants us to be. That is the fullness and likeness of Christ. If we were made perfect immediately, we would miss out so much that change and growth brings.

We can’t do the growing and changing on our own. We need to spend lots time with Him; time getting to know His character and His grace. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” We need to abide in Him so that He can continue molding us into His image.

Jesus is the true vine. A living union with Christ is absolutely necessary; without it, there is no fruit. Attaining this is essential and brings us that much closer to fullness of Christ.

I wish that we could tell you that this is something that we have both perfected. Sadly enough, we know that we need to spend more time in prayer and in His word. Not out of obligation, but to show our devotion to Him! By doing this, we receive so much blessing as we grow!

We look forward to growing and changing with you and reaching unity in the faith as we attain the fullness of Christ one day!