We’re Not There Yet: The Long Road to Perfection
We’re waiting for Jesus to return or perhaps to die, knowing our ultimate home.
We spend our whole lives getting ready for a place we’ve never seen. Eighty to ninety-nine years is certainly a long time in human thought, though in God’s way of things, it’s but a short span.
As a lifelong Christian, I find the idea of being with Jesus uppermost in my mind. I long to see Him and be with Him. In my ability to say it, my words fall short — Jesus is infinitely magnificent. He is life and life everlasting. He knows every detail about everything. He is the source of all god-powerful love, kindness, sweetness, mercy, and compassion. He is powerful beyond imagination. After all, I can’t make a microbe or a star. He did all of that. He is the creator of everything that exists.
Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” The old, stinky me has been replaced with grace and love. I’m not saying I’m perfect. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a long road to perfection. I’ll have it when I get to my true home.
John 14:2–3,“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. That’s a God promise and I, for one, hold to it.
But what of my years here, the long journey home?
1 Peter 1:6–9 “In this, you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
Verse 7 is super important. “Tested by fire.” Everyone has trials and tribulations. For the most part, they hurt. It’s no different with Christians. Christians also feel pain in life’s darkest moments. So what’s the difference?Those living without Jesus experience a double whammy. Not only do they have miserable pain, but they also have to bear it without Jesus’ support. A Christian’s pain is always supported by Jesus. A Christian’s pain becomes a refining test. It reveals where our faith is growing — and where it still needs work.
Romans 5:3–5 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
It reveals where our faith is growing — and where it still needs work. So, even though it’s a long road home, we have the opportunity to become partakers of the divine image, and that makes us fit for heaven. I don’t mean to sound all negative. I do mean we expect heaven by trusting in our Lord and Savior. It’s a long road — but it leads home. And because of Jesus, we don’t walk it alone.
Garland Van Dyke
www.thechristianministry.online
