STRIVING TO BE YOUR BEST

February 23

STRIVING TO BE YOUR BEST

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:48

This quality of excellence and the desire to be and do one’s best has been implanted into the believer’s soul. Some people immediately give up alcoholic drinks after conversion. One man, after giving his heart to Christ, began immediately improving his handwriting. He remarked, “All things must be done well for Christ, even the little things.” Others have changed attitudes. Still others have cleaned up their foul mouths. Employers have treated their employees with greater dignity and respect. Once God enters a life, the believer shares the ambition to do all things extraordinarily. This desire permeates a believer’s being and changes his actions, thus transforming his character.

We must remember that excellence is not perfection but the pursuit of perfection. And pursuit is what Jesus had in mind when he stated, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). 

Too, excellence is not being the best; it is becoming your best. Excellence is a process of becoming the best man you can be in all areas of life. This process involves intense and continual effort, prompting a lifetime challenge that is all-consuming. ♦

PRAYER

Lord, make me perfect — for you …