Going on to Perfection

Hebrews 6:1 – “…let us go on unto perfection….”
Philippians 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The artist Rosetti relates that one day a gentleman came to his studio with samples of his drawings and requested his candid opinion concerning them. Looking them over, he saw that they had little value, and in a kindly way he let his visitor understand his lack of proficiency. The man then drew from under his coat another set of sketches and spread them out before Rosetti, saying that they were the work of a young student. The master artist immediately recognized that they displayed a remarkable talent. He enthusiastically predicted that without a doubt the youth would soon distinguish himself as a great artist.

The man said regretfully, “Sir, I was that young student. I failed to persevere in my work
because my teacher seemed so demanding. Now I find that through the years I have slipped backward. You are right in your estimation of my latest drawings. As I feared they are of little or no value.” Capabilities may at one time exist, but unless pursued and perfected, the final achievement may be disappointing.

There is a great lesson in that sad incident! Once we have received salvation, we are to “work it out” with fear and trembling, ever pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.” We must not just drift along, but rather advance in sanctification and service. Every thought and action must be brought into captivity to Christ.

Is your spiritual life at a higher level now than it was last year? There are loftier goals to reach. Let us put our Christianity into practice and “GO ON UNTO PERFECTION.”