Christ Perfects Us

In the words of a little song, I used to sing, “He’s still working on me, to make me what I need to be.” It’s taking longer than it should, but He is patient. We have to remember that. I don’t know about you, but the one person in this world with whom I have the most trouble is Mr. M. E. Dude. M. E. has a temper. He says stupid things. He lets irritations get to him. He wants to do and see and think things he shouldn’t. M. E. requires a lot of spiritual maintenance. This character can absolutely drive me crazy.

But by God’s grace, if I have anything to do with it (and I do), Mr. M. E. Dude is going to become more like H. I. M. I remember a college classmate who drew a little three-column chart for me. Pointing to the first column, he said, “This one is justification. That’s what happened to you when you received Christ as Savior. That’s your past, when God saved you from the penalty of your sins.” Then he pointed to the third column. “On the other side is glorification. That’s what will happen in the future when you’re raptured or resurrected. God will save you from the very presence of sin."

“In between,” he continued, pointing to the middle column, “is sanctification. That’s the process that happens to you now as you grow in Christ and are continually saved from the power of sin. It might go up and down a bit, but it will end with glory.” All three aspects of my friend’s chart are found in Philippians 1:6 and are usually summed up in three words: justification (He who began a good work in you); sanctification (will carry it on), and glorification (to completion when Christ comes again). I’ve never forgotten that chart, but recently I’ve made a change to it. Instead of the word sanctification, I’ve started using the word Christification. We are becoming more and more like Him.

Action

The next time you feel disappointed in yourself, pour that into a prayer of thankfulness and rejoicing: “Jesus, I’m so grateful you’re not giving up on me! I’m glad to be safe in your promise to keep on perfecting me until you return. Thank you!” Words by Joel Hemphill.

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from Whatever Happens: How to Stand Firm in Your Faith When the World Is Falling Apartby Pastor Robert J. Morgan. Check it out for more.