Close Only Counts In Horse Shoes And Hand Grenades

My Utmost For His Highest

 “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” —2 Corinthians 2:14

 "The proper perspective of a servant of God must not simply be as near to the highest as he can get, but it must be the highest. Be careful that you vigorously maintain God’s perspective, and remember that it must be done every day, little by little. Don’t think on a finite level. No outside power can touch the proper perspective. The proper perspective to maintain is that we are here for only one purpose— to be captives marching in the procession of Christ’s triumphs. We are not on display in God’s showcase— we are here to exhibit only one thing— the “captivity [of our lives] to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). How small all the other perspectives are! For example, the ones that say, “I am standing all alone, battling for Jesus,” or, “I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold down this fort for Him.” But Paul said, in essence, “I am in the procession of a conqueror, and it doesn’t matter what the difficulties are, for I am always led in triumph.” Is this idea being worked out practically in us? Paul’s secret joy was that God took him as a blatant rebel against Jesus Christ, and made him a captive— and that became his purpose. It was Paul’s joy to be a captive of the Lord, and he had no other interest in heaven or on earth. […]  “We are to God the fragrance of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:15). We are encompassed with the sweet aroma of Jesus, and wherever we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God.” CHAMBERS

 There is a saying that I have not used for years, “Close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.”  The point being that often times we choose to be content with being close enough to the Lord when, in fact, there should be no distance between us.  It is not that we have attained perfection, but that we are in pursuit of it.  Not perfect in the sense that we no longer sin, but that we are already perfected in that we have forgiveness and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 10:14) “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Freedom from sin will not be in our grasp until we see Him face to face, but we press on toward that goal.  Not expecting perfection in one another, but, at the same time, not being content with our imperfection.  Encouraging one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 3:12-13) “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” So how about it?  ELGIN

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

Charley Elgin