“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.” Philippians 3:12 AMP

Have you ever tried to do something perfectly only to become frustrated by the smallest mistake? Our world seems obsessed with perfection. Unfortunately, that expectation sometimes finds its way into the church, placing new believers under unnecessary pressure in their walk with Jesus Christ.

One of the criticisms Jesus had of the scribes and Pharisees was that they placed heavy burdens on people—requirements they themselves could not keep. The Law was never intended to provide a system through which people could prove themselves righteous before God. Rather, it revealed humanity’s deep need for grace.

The Apostle Paul understood the Law better than most. In fact, he once believed that if anyone could achieve righteousness through religious devotion, it would be him. Paul became a fierce opponent of the early Christians, determined to destroy what was known as “the Way.” But everything changed when he encountered the risen Christ.

“As he traveled he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him displaying the glory and majesty of Christ; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice from heaven saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting and oppressing Me?’ And Saul said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He answered, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:3–5 AMP

When Paul rose from the ground, he was blind. He was led by the hand into Damascus, where he spent three days coming to terms with what had just happened. During that time God began transforming his heart.

A disciple named Ananias later prayed for him, and Paul received his sight again. From that moment forward, the man who once persecuted Christians became one of the greatest proclaimers of Christ’s grace. What a picture of our own experience with God.

Many of us were convinced that our way was right until we encountered Christ. In that moment He opened our spiritual eyes, delivering us from darkness and calling us into His marvelous light. Notice something important in today’s verse: Paul admits he has not “arrived.” God was still shaping his life so that Christ’s light could shine through him.

Paul explains it this way:

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.
But we have this precious treasure, the good news about salvation, in unworthy earthen vessels of human frailty, so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be shown to be from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:6–7 AMP

Our verse today encourages us to press on toward the life God has called us to live. But we must remember that the Christian life is a journey, not a sprint. Each of us is at a different place along that journey. Because of that, Scripture calls mature believers to extend patience and grace toward others.

“Now we who are strong [in our convictions and faith] ought to [patiently] put up with the weaknesses of those who are not strong, and not just please ourselves.
Let each one of us make it a practice to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually.” Romans 15:1–2 AMP

Let me encourage you to remember where God brought you from. His grace abounded toward you—now let that same grace flow to others.

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Ken