Firstborns are notorious perfectionists. We easily obsess with doing things right at the expense of doing the right things (there is a significant difference). And, the relentless pursuit of perfection is a recipe for discouragement, because the goal is almost always elusive.
Sometimes God seems like the ultimate perfectionist, with impossibly high standards set for those who would seek Him. But, is this standard of perfection what He truly desires from us? What exactly does He require of seekers?
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation." (Psalm 24:3-5)
Clean hands. No, He's not hung up on dirt under our fingernails, but hands that have not participated in evil deeds. And, a pure heart. He wants first place, and unswerving love and loyalty (see Matthew 22:36-40). He wants passionate pursuit of truth, so as not to lift up our "soul to falsehood". He wants honest vows, promises, and pledges.
The God who owns it all (Psalm 24:1) desires that which He is entitled to. He created us for His pleasure, and to be our pleasure. He wants to know us, and for us to truly, personally know Him. We are designed for relationship with Him.
This God of perfection doesn't demand perfection from His seekers, but rather the simple sincerity of faith and truth. Perfection is what He supplies through the sacrifice of His Son (an impossible human achievement).
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?" Who may have relationship with Him? The answer is far more simple and attainable than many realize. He simply implores us to come, forsaking wicked deeds, with wholehearted sincerity. Nothing is more enriching and fulfilling than walking in intimate relationship with our Creator, through His Son, Jesus the Christ. Take the decisive step today to passionately pursue the God Who wants your heart and life.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Sometimes God seems like the ultimate perfectionist, with impossibly high standards set for those who would seek Him. But, is this standard of perfection what He truly desires from us? What exactly does He require of seekers?
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation." (Psalm 24:3-5)
Clean hands. No, He's not hung up on dirt under our fingernails, but hands that have not participated in evil deeds. And, a pure heart. He wants first place, and unswerving love and loyalty (see Matthew 22:36-40). He wants passionate pursuit of truth, so as not to lift up our "soul to falsehood". He wants honest vows, promises, and pledges.
The God who owns it all (Psalm 24:1) desires that which He is entitled to. He created us for His pleasure, and to be our pleasure. He wants to know us, and for us to truly, personally know Him. We are designed for relationship with Him.
This God of perfection doesn't demand perfection from His seekers, but rather the simple sincerity of faith and truth. Perfection is what He supplies through the sacrifice of His Son (an impossible human achievement).
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?" Who may have relationship with Him? The answer is far more simple and attainable than many realize. He simply implores us to come, forsaking wicked deeds, with wholehearted sincerity. Nothing is more enriching and fulfilling than walking in intimate relationship with our Creator, through His Son, Jesus the Christ. Take the decisive step today to passionately pursue the God Who wants your heart and life.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 8:59 AM
2 Comments:
At 9:11 AM,
Anonymous said…
Just what I needed to hear. Thank you Steve. It's truly God's message inspired by a faithful servant.
At 10:09 PM,
Anonymous said…
I'm not a firstborn but I certainly struggle with the need for perfection in every aspect of my life. Falling short of it (at least in my perspective) often results in disappointment and harsh criticism of myself to do even more, a vicious cycle. It's good to hear this though and be reminded to let go, in faith.
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