“Let us press on to know the Lord.” — Hosea 6:3 ESV
In my career, I was fairly adept at using Microsoft Office apps — Word and Excel, in particular. They brought efficiencies to work processes, depth and flexibility to analytics, and effectiveness to communications. But once I attained a certain proficiency level, I stopped learning. These applications contained much more functionality, which would have advanced productivity even further, but having navigated steep learning curves, and gaining much through them, I came to the alluring oasis of “good enough,” and there I rested.
I think the allure of “good enough,” or perhaps “close enough,” limits us in a spiritual sense, as well. For instance, we might draw near to Jesus for forgiveness and mercy, but distance ourselves beyond earshot of His command to forgive those who offend us. Though we plea God’s blessings for ourselves, our flesh would prioritize our personal comfort over His call to bless others. These are common temptations, and not new. Consider Paul’s appropriate chastisement of the Corinthians, “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”1 In this sense, we all sense that “good enough” is not good at all.
Then how do we move beyond the appealing oasis of “good enough”? How do we “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ”?2 How do we think and act like the “mature” — “straining forward to what lies ahead . . . [and pressing] on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?”3 I think it comes down to relationship, and we are called to relate well. Relationships are not formulaic, of course, but here are some healthy characteristics.
Trust openly. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”4
Be honest about our sin. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts.”5
Accept God’s complete forgiveness. “Let us draw near . . . with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”6
Be devoted to prayer.7 “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”8
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.9 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”10
Spend time with God. “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.”11
God calls us ever forward, far beyond our fleshy notion of “good enough.” Greater things await us. Let’s go.
Lord, lead us in love beyond immaturity, and draw us ever deeper into relationship with You. In Christ we pray. Amen.
1 1 Corinthians 3:2-3 ESV
2 Ephesians 4:15 ESV
3 Philippians 3:13-15 ESV
4 Hebrews 10:22 ESV
5 James 4:8 ESV
6 Hebrews 10:22 ESV
7 Romans 12:12 NASB
8 Psalm 145:18 ESV
9 Colossians 3:16 ESV
10 Psalm 119:105 KJV
11 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
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Paul Nordman—Author 