JESUS SPEAKING
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5: 48)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
Jesus commands His followers to imitate God’s righteous behavior as perfectly as possible. We read in Ephesians Chapter 5, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself up, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” If we lay down our selfish ambitions, the divine attributes of God will manifest in our actions. Striving for perfect adherence to God’s will is admirable and necessary. If we remain diligent, others will look at our lives and know God’s heart; and they will experience His grace, His mercy, and His love.
Modern photography as we know it began less than 200 years ago. Prior to that, images could only be created using a mixture of paint or ink deposited onto canvas, paper, or wood. Those who desired an image of themselves, or their families, had to pay an artist to paint a portrait. These depictions were often time consuming; requiring individuals to stand still for hours, days, or even weeks while the artist recreated an exact image of them on the canvas. The skill of each artist varied significantly. The better the artist, the more exact and detailed the painting.
Like any good portrait, God desires that our lives conform to His image. And so we must strive to become a perfect reflection of Him in this place. If we behave as genuine Christians, others will see God working in us and through us. They will know the will of God and discover His nature and Spirit. As a result, many will come to know Jesus Christ.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to obey Your will; to be transformed into Your image and likeness. May we become portraits of who You are; a visible reflection for all those who are seeking the truth. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may always do what is pleasing to You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
