DECEMBER 31, Hebrews 13:20-21 

The word “perfect” is perhaps overused. Cake shops may advertise that their cakes are “perfect”. After a musician plays a piece of music, some may encourage him and say his performance was “perfect”. Or a watch company may try to sell their latest model and claim it is “perfect” in symmetry and beauty.

In today’s text, the word perfect is used. Dear child, read the 2 verses again and see that we are not perfect in ourselves but that the “God of peace” may make us perfect. This does not mean we will never make mistakes, for that is impossible since all of us, even the most senior Christian, is still sinful. What the word “perfect” means here is that we may be mature, that we may be equipped to do the will of God.

The focus is not us but God. God will enable us to do His will, and if we are mature and willing, we will do things that will please Him. This would be a great honour to please God, and on our own we would not be able to do so. That is why all of us need God’s help.

Sometimes as we look at ourselves, we see how selfish, impatient, biased, and foolish we still remain. And sometimes we are discouraged as we continue to sin. Even with the daily reading of the Bible and prayer, we still sin. Let us remember that God did not promise that the Christian life would be easy. In fact, He has taught us that the Christian life would be tough. That is why He gives all Christians the “spiritual armour” in the wonderful passage in Ephesians 6. When would soldiers wear armour? When they go to war. And why would they need to wear armour? Because in any fight against enemies, they need to protect themselves and they must put on the whole armour.

As this year comes to an end, remember that God wants you to live a victorious Christian life, that God wants you to live a life that will please Him. And none of us would be able to do that, unless we totally rely on Him. God is always there waiting for us. And God is powerful, for verse 20 reminds us that He raised Jesus from the dead. If God the Father can raise Jesus from the dead, surely He can help you to mature and live a life that will please Him!

Thought: May I be mature, even at a young age!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for myself – that I will be be led by You to be a better child and to live my life so that I will please You. This is my humble request in Jesus’ name, Amen.