The Faith I Live By

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Perfect in All His Ways, February 7

The Wonderful Father

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48. FLB 44.1

God's work is perfect as a whole because it is perfect in every part, however minute. He fashions the tiny spear of grass with as much care as He would exercise in making a world. If we desire to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect, we must be faithful in doing little things. That which is worth doing at all is worth doing well.27Messages to Young People, 144, 145. FLB 44.2

God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach.... The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning. FLB 44.3

The tempter's agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. FLB 44.4

The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life.... He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God.28The Desire of Ages, 311, 312. FLB 44.5

A well-balanced character is formed by single acts well performed. One defect, cultivated instead of being overcome, makes the man imperfect, and closes against him the gate of the Holy City.... In all the redeemed host not one defect will be seen.... FLB 44.6

Whatever your work may be, do it faithfully.... As you work in this way, God will place His approval on you, and Christ will one day say to you. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21.29Messages to Young People, 144, 145. FLB 44.7