IMPERFECTIONSample

In the next few days we will look at what the Bible says about our imperfections. Being a wonderfully frank book, it says a lot about this. But the Bible also speaks to us of a perfect heavenly Father, Jesus, the one who saves to the uttermost, and the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. We are imperfect Christians. Romans 7 is a chapter you could easily race past so as to arrive at the glories of Romans 8. But Romans 7 stops me in my tracks. It describes my struggle with sin, a daily struggle with sin. The Bible is often like that – it diagnoses me so well. Some writers will say this passage describes immature Christians only. But without being unduly critical of any of my friends, I can’t say I know anyone for whom that struggle with sin is past. How about you? Yet hidden within this passage is something that is a great comfort to me: “What I hate, I do.” It seems to me that this is proof of the great work of the Holy Spirit in my life – and your life. God is changing our desires, even as we struggle with our behaviour. As we explore our “imperfections”, let’s remember they all exist within the wider reality that stems from a good God. Prayer: Dear Father, I am imperfect. I am still not doing the things I want to do and I am doing the things I hate. Thank you that your Spirit is active in my life, changing my desires.