“We do this by keeping our eye on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”

Hebrews 12:2

I had the opportunity to visit the Billy Graham Library last week. I’ve never really known much about him or his family, except that they were faithful evangelists. And sometimes, there is a misconception that those who are in the spotlight, especially Christians, should, or do, live perfect and comfortable lives. But I think anyone who is a true follower of Christ knows that those expectations are not only not true, but they are impossible.

I was touched by what Ruth Graham had on her tombstone. It reads “End of Construction. Thank you for your patience”. And I think this is such an important understanding of living a Christian life. We are all under construction and it’s a lifelong journey of detours, road closures, merging right or left, and reconstructing our own imperfections to become more and more like Christ.

It’s also about grace and embracing the imperfections of others. Just as God sees us not for who we are, but for who we can become, we too, should see others not for who they are, but for who they can become.

I’m not saying this should be an excuse for anyone who knows what is right and chooses not to do it. I’m saying it’s a process of knowing what is right and desiring to learn how to do it.

Building a life that reflects who we are in Christ takes a lot of work, a lot of patience, and a lot of grace! And as we always want to strive for perfection, we must realize, that will not happen until we meet Christ face to face. We must strive for progress though if we are to build our faith and improve our grace towards others.

There are many ways to make progress as we are under construction. Listening to the Holy Spirit is the only way that you will know what your personal progress involves, but here are a few places to start.

Ask God to help you identify and acknowledge those places that need to be worked on. Seeing that in others is oh so easy. But seeing that in ourselves is really, really hard. So that’s a good place to start.

Practice self – control and be patient with yourself in those areas. If you need an accountability partner, find one. If you need professional help, get it.

Continuously and intentionally invest in building others up instead of tearing them down. This may take some reframing of your own mind to remember that grace and patience was extended to you so that you can extend it to others.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Our construction started on a wooden cross with nail scarred hands and feet, and it continues in us today with those same hands and feet. Jesus didn’t suffer to leave us as we were. He suffered to save us from who we are without Him, and He is in the business of breaking down walls, restoring what is broken, and building it up new and improved.

Are you ready to lean on Jesus for strength, mercy, and grace as you travel this road called life? Then pull out those tools and press on to possess the perfection that only Jesus can provide for the purpose of which He has called you (Philippians 3:12-14).

#SaturdaySoulSearch