The Uncompromising Standard of God
In a world where we often settle for “good enough,” a recent poll reveals that many working women have adopted a new housekeeping standard: “clean enough.” This means no visible crumbs around the toaster, a tub that’s not grimy but doesn’t shine, and a refrigerator with a hidden layer of dirt. While this compromise may work for our homes, it’s a far cry from the standards God expects from us.
A Spiritual Parallel
In an era of throwaway ethics and selective morality, it’s easy to apply the “clean enough” principle to our spiritual lives. We might think that confessing some of our sins or doing just enough to get by is sufficient. But God’s standard is far higher. As Psalm 51:7-10 reminds us, God desires a pure heart and a steadfast spirit within us. He doesn’t grade on a curve or judge us based on our perceived goodness.
No Partial Forgiveness
The Bible is clear: if we confess all our sins, God will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There’s no selective forgiveness or partial pardon. God’s mercy is not limited to a few of our transgressions; He wants to blot out all of them. When we compromise on our spiritual standards, we risk falling short of God’s expectations.
The Consequences of Compromise
The story of the Titanic’s rescue efforts serves as a stark reminder of our eternal destiny. There were only two lists on the wall: saved and lost. Our relationship with God is not a matter of grades or degrees; it’s a binary choice. We’re either in or out. A “C” average may be sufficient for graduation, but it’s not enough to guarantee our salvation.
The Call to Higher Standards
As we strive to live according to God’s standards, let’s remember that He doesn’t judge us based on our perceived goodness. He desires a pure heart, a steadfast spirit, and a complete surrender to His will. Let’s aim higher than “clean enough” and strive for the perfection that only God can provide.
Leave a Reply