Glimpses of Him

It's sometimes said of ball players they are a "natural," meaning they seem to have inherent or natural athletic abilities. There are other players who excel in their sport but they've had to work really hard in order to do so. Scripture is clea:, none is inherently righteous - no one (Romans 3:10); and, everyone has sinned and continually falls short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). The Puritan prayed, "It is a good day when Thou givest me a glimpse of myself." The best view of who we are and what we should strive to be can be seen in the psalmist's words: "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives ... Who heals ... Who redeems ... Who satisfies ... Is merciful and gracious." (from Psalm 103: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8). Certainly this is not a complete list of God's characteristics, however, [point is] all these [and more] describe His Nature - they are who He is! God doesn't aspire to be forgiving, merciful, gracious, etc. - No! because He is all this [and more], He is The One Who inspires us to be so. Those who will excel in Godliness are only those who live Christ-centered lives and daily surrender to the in-working of The Holy Spirit. Oh, there's coming a day when Believers will be gloriously and naturally perfect; until then, however, righteousness your walk and rejoice in the glimpses of Him!