That We Should be Holy and Blameless

January 05, 2021

Ephesians 1:3-6: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

What do you think when you look at yourself in the mirror each morning? Are you pleased with what you see, or do you long to lose weight, improve your skin, get a new style for your hair, or even grow more hair? Are you pleased with your image, or are you ashamed of what you see? The media delights in our shame and feelings of inferiority. The worse you feel about yourself, the more you will spend on their weight loss programs, skin regimens, hair products, and pharmaceutical offerings.

The Lord offers another solution - his Son. As we just celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, it is an ideal time to contemplate how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have transformed our lives. According to Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we are called to live as holy and blameless sons and daughters of the Father. On the cross, Jesus took all our sin, shame, and guilt upon himself. He took all our filth upon himself so that we can stand as ones who are holy and blameless before his Father and our Father. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he makes a great exchange with us. He removes our garments of sin, guilt, and shame and replaces them with his robe of righteousness. When the Father looks upon you, he sees the righteousness of his Son.

You are blessed with every spiritual blessing. You are chosen. You are holy and blameless before the Lord; You are adopted as God's son or daughter. You are called to live in his grace and to walk according to his will. There is a great plan for you!

Do you see yourself as God sees you - holy and blameless, clothed in the robe of righteousness - or do you still see yourself clothed in sin, guilt, and shame? The Lord longs for you to let go of your earthly vision to embrace his heavenly vision. He has so much for you, but you must be willing to be defined by him instead of by yourself, Satan, or the world.

Reflection:
Which vision will you embrace of yourself for 2021? This is a new year, and you can be a new you. Will you surrender to the Lord's vision today?