The closer we draw to Christ, the more His righteousness will reveal our flaws, showing us our need to be dependent on Him.

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”--(Matthew 5:48, NIV).

Some thought he was the worst Christian ever. When teaching spiritual principles about maturing as a Christian, Jack would testify of his own mistakes and how God uses them to grow his faith. There always seemed to be something he was working to overcome. 

Some people would mistake his transparency for being a carnal Christian. But the longer anyone knew Jack, the more they came to discern his unwavering commitment to Christ. He was a godly man. 

One day, he humbly made certain everyone understood what he’d been teaching for years. 

“We’ll never reach perfection on earth. Jesus is the only person who ever achieved a purely righteous life on his own. If I’m satisfied with where I’m at in my righteousness, then I’m not growing as a Christian. I’m to strive for perfection.”

“Sin used to be more easily detected: getting drunk, stealing, adultery and so on. Yet the closer we draw to our glorious Lord, the more His righteousness will reveal our flaws. And though His righteousness is a free gift to us, we must continue to mature in our obedience.” 

“There are always areas which need our attention, that we may better emulate Jesus. Judgmental thoughts, self-righteous attitudes, failing to perform good works that should have been done, and a plethora of others. Much of which we’ve never recognized as sin before.”

Jack is with the Lord today. But his lessons on sanctification live on.

Lord, thank you for robbing me in your righteousness. Help me to continue growing until you take me home and perfect your work in me.

Written by Sheldon Bass