Ponder it. - In full, here is the July 12th, devotional from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:
"Till we all come . . unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13
Rehabilitation means the putting back of the whole human race into the relationship God designed it to be in, and this is what Jesus Christ did in Redemption. The Church ceases to be a spiritual society when it is on the look-out for the development of its own organization. The rehabilitation of the human race on Jesus Christ's plan means the realization of Jesus Christ in corporate life as well as in individual life. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this purpose - that the corporate Personality might be realized. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy spiritual retirement; we are here so to realize Jesus Christ that the Body of Christ may be built up.
Am I building up the Body of Christ, or am I looking for my own personal development only? The essential thing is my personal relationship to Jesus Christ - "That I may know Him." To fulfil God's design means entire abandonment to Him. Whenever I want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. It will be a big humiliation to realize that I have not been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ, but only about realizing what He has done for me.
"My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace,
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God."Am I measuring my life by this standard or by anything less?
I won't speak for anyone else, though I'm certain it's largely true, but that part about fulfilling "God's design means entire abandonment to Him. Whenever I want things for myself, the relationship is distorted," is one of the biggest problems for me in my walk with God the Father.
Whether it's fear, or selfishness, or sheer stupidity upon my part, it is an area I struggle with daily. The only saving knowledge in the midst of it for me is what Chambers notes in the beginning, Christ is Redeemer. He accomplished what I can not in faulty self not just for me but all of creation.
Wonder of wonders, by accepting Him as Savior, Redeemer, and Lord of my life, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in me that Christ may be the conqueror in my weaknesses. And I pray build and strengthen His bride, the Church, as He sees fit for that final presentation to the Father.
In Him we all find forgiveness first and then strength to become more like Him.
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