This past week, a dear brother in Christ posted a picture of nacho chips which read, “Nachos are just tacos that don’t have their life together.” I liked that thought. Yes, the ingredients are all there, there is something tasty to enjoy, but it is good to have a napkin handy. As I considered this post, I responded by stating, “The lesson is: even as we struggle to keep it all together, we can still bless others. God is able to make it happen because His power is greater than even our best.”
As spiritual a man of God as Paul appeared to have been and how devoted He was as a servant to the ministry of the Gospel of Christ, he still noted the ongoing spiritual battle in which we all at times struggle. (Romans 7:15-19) However, it is obvious despite that, the Lord was able to continue His great work in and through him. Though Paul noted the struggle as a wretched state, he encouragingly acknowledged the deliverance through Christ. (Romans 7:24-25)
Though we ought to aim and put forth the effort for ongoing growth in Christ (i.e. 2 Peter 1:5-8; 3:18), it is not about personal perfection, but about His power working in spite of our imperfection. Therefore, in turning his focus away from a sense of righteousness based on his own doing and toward the righteousness which came through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9), Paul expressed his onward focus where we read. . .
“(12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)
Are we keeping the eternal goal in view? Let us not allow the mess and struggles of life to cause us to give up. Let us keep pressing on. Remember in Christ we are made into a “new creation”. (2 Corinthians 5:17) God is able to do that! May we wholly trust in His power to do so as we surrender to being used for His glorious purposes!
Have a great day KEEPING LIFE TOGETHER WITH GOD!
Carl
