JUL 30

Colossians 1:28
Memorise 2 Corinthians 11:2
“…every man perfect in Christ Jesus…”

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

In Colossians 1:28, Paul continues “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” What does the phrase “perfect in Christ Jesus” mean? Remember that on earth only Jesus Christ is perfect. The perfection that man can attain can only come through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He is the one who grants perfection to all who have repented and believed in Him. The phrase also refers to what happens after salvation, where we strive towards holiness, to become more like Christ each day. This is indeed the purpose of the church – for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). And so as Paul and other ministers preach, warn and teach every man, the goal is that they may become perfect in Christ. In this way, Christ is our perfect role model. In comparison with Him we can then see our own shortfall in holiness, and pray for God’s help to change. Theologians thus distinguish between these two aspects of the Christian’s perfection, of positional sanctification (being perfect in Christ before God at the point of salvation) and progressive sanctification (striving towards the holiness of Christ after salvation, which is a lifelong process).

Dear teen, are you saved by believing in the perfection of Jesus Christ? When one does not realize the perfection of Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation, then that person may not have assurance of salvation, for he might think his continued sin after salvation disqualifies him from it. Once we realize that Jesus kept the Law perfectly for our sakes, then we need not fear ever losing salvation once it is obtained, for Christ has completely paid the price for sins past, present and future. If you are saved, though, then is Christ your role model? Do you strive to be more and more like Him each day? Do you learn more about Him each day? Or, do you have other earthly role models instead. It is sad when even Christians idolize certain stars and strive to copy their lifestyle, including their clothes, hairstyle, language etc. It is so sad that Christ has saved you by keeping a perfect life and then dying on the Cross as your perfect sacrifice, and then after He has saved you, you turn your back to Him and follow sinful man instead.

Thought: Who is my role model? Who do I admire? Who comes before Christ?
Prayer: Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my life.