The Secret In Perfection
Written by: Delbert Magusara Haim
Published: May 28, 2013
We heard the conversation of Christ with the young rich man who asked about the things that can make him perfect in the sight of God.
If we notice in the whole Old and New Testament scriptures, there are many things to be considered before a man be found perfect in God's ways. However, there is one task that very hard not only for the rich man but also for the poor which is to fulfill the virtue of charity. Accordingly, only few people in the Bible who did it and found perfect in the presence of God like "Noah", and the rest were enable to do it like the "young rich man". Though the young man did fulfill all the commandments of Moses but this thing is the lack in him as Christ said; be generous to others if you want to be perfect. By this mean, if we talk about perfection surely this is it that can make man perfect. For if we believe the words of Christ even the words he gave to his apostles saying;
Then we need to prove it among men. The word love is a simple term that anyone can easily say or think but in the sense of applying this virtue into our lives I think it is hard for those who loved the world more than God because it deals with possessions, wealth, and pride. Nobody can deny it neither says he loves his wife, children, relatives, friends, and enemies without even sharing a little gift or giving any words of reconciliation. It is because Love is not a love in thought or in words but a charity in which it is justified in deeds and in truth according to John.
God who is the image of love had never taught us to love anyone in words but to be like him who has shown his love by giving his only begotten Son and offered on the cross. And that according to Jesus there is no greater love than what he did of laying his life to his friends.
And as our example in this manner are the churches in Thessalonica. Here we see how their love abounded more toward each other. Wherein, despite of their deep poverty, they are willing to give beyond what they could just to help the other church in Jerusalem. And by this also, the apostle Paul used them to be the pattern in the church of Corinth and teaching that they should show also the proof of their love like the Thessalonians.
Thus, charity is the proof of love we always hear, read, speak, and feel everyday. And by sharing, giving, caring, and helping one another we prove it. Again, it is because love cannot be obtained only in words but in deeds and in truth. Now, why is it saint John says; love should be in deed and in truth? Simply because the love of God is a charity with accordance to Christ's law of willingness, and to give willingly is the truth of love.
That is the pure love and the key unto perfection. A pure works of faith in Christ that whosoever believe in him shall become like him who did the great deed of love.
Therefore, whatever you are whether rich or poor, bond or free, leader or member, manager or helper, and etc..... still we have the same role in this world. And it's better to be poor like the Thessaolians who fulfilled the virtue of charity than to be rich if like unto the young man who only love himself.
Published: May 28, 2013
We heard the conversation of Christ with the young rich man who asked about the things that can make him perfect in the sight of God.
- Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
If we notice in the whole Old and New Testament scriptures, there are many things to be considered before a man be found perfect in God's ways. However, there is one task that very hard not only for the rich man but also for the poor which is to fulfill the virtue of charity. Accordingly, only few people in the Bible who did it and found perfect in the presence of God like "Noah", and the rest were enable to do it like the "young rich man". Though the young man did fulfill all the commandments of Moses but this thing is the lack in him as Christ said; be generous to others if you want to be perfect. By this mean, if we talk about perfection surely this is it that can make man perfect. For if we believe the words of Christ even the words he gave to his apostles saying;
- 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
- 1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
Then we need to prove it among men. The word love is a simple term that anyone can easily say or think but in the sense of applying this virtue into our lives I think it is hard for those who loved the world more than God because it deals with possessions, wealth, and pride. Nobody can deny it neither says he loves his wife, children, relatives, friends, and enemies without even sharing a little gift or giving any words of reconciliation. It is because Love is not a love in thought or in words but a charity in which it is justified in deeds and in truth according to John.
- 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
God who is the image of love had never taught us to love anyone in words but to be like him who has shown his love by giving his only begotten Son and offered on the cross. And that according to Jesus there is no greater love than what he did of laying his life to his friends.
- John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
And as our example in this manner are the churches in Thessalonica. Here we see how their love abounded more toward each other. Wherein, despite of their deep poverty, they are willing to give beyond what they could just to help the other church in Jerusalem. And by this also, the apostle Paul used them to be the pattern in the church of Corinth and teaching that they should show also the proof of their love like the Thessalonians.
- 2Cor 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
- 2Co 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Thus, charity is the proof of love we always hear, read, speak, and feel everyday. And by sharing, giving, caring, and helping one another we prove it. Again, it is because love cannot be obtained only in words but in deeds and in truth. Now, why is it saint John says; love should be in deed and in truth? Simply because the love of God is a charity with accordance to Christ's law of willingness, and to give willingly is the truth of love.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
That is the pure love and the key unto perfection. A pure works of faith in Christ that whosoever believe in him shall become like him who did the great deed of love.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
- Colossians 3:14And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
- 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.1 Corinthians 13:13
- Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Therefore, whatever you are whether rich or poor, bond or free, leader or member, manager or helper, and etc..... still we have the same role in this world. And it's better to be poor like the Thessaolians who fulfilled the virtue of charity than to be rich if like unto the young man who only love himself.
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