There are two kinds of perfection which the Christian needs--the perfection of justification in the person of Jesus, and the perfection of sanctification wrought in him by the Holy Spirit.
Within us are still lusts and evil imaginations. But I rejoice to know that the day is coming when God shall finish the work which He has begun; and He shall present my soul, not only perfect in Christ, but perfect through the Spirit, without spot or blemish, or any such thing.
Can it be true that this poor sinful heart of mine is to become holy even as God is holy? Can it be that this spirit, which often cries, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this sin and death?" shall get rid of sin and death--that I shall have no evil things to vex my ears, and no unholy thoughts to disturb my peace?
Oh, happy hour! may it be hastened! When I cross the Jordan, the work of sanctification will be finished; but not till that moment shall I even claim perfection in myself.
I therefore seek to imitate Christ in my daily life. This would facilitate my happiness and joy in communing with Christ. I know there is nothing which can so assist me to walk towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on my heart. It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I am enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that I am most happy, and most known to be the son of God.
I also seek to imitate Christ because religion, has not been sorely shot at by cruel foes, but it has been wounded one-half so dangerously by its friends. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistent professors injure the gospel more than the sneering critic or the infidel.
Would you choose to be more Christlike today?
