Be All That You Can Be!

Be All That You Can Be! The US Army has had this recruiting slogan for over twenty years. They offer a life of discipline, being set apart for a time to be able to use that discipline to develop a sharp mind and a body in tune with that mind to accomplish what needs to be done for success. God also has a plan to help you develop a sharp mind and body in tune with what He created you to be. And a plan for your success!

Life is so difficult at times. As children of God, we are not left out of the difficulty of our world. However, we are guaranteed the opportunity to use these times to grow and improve our character, grow closer to our Lord, and bring God glory. Paul had a lot to say on this subject, inspired to bring instruction to those who accepted Christ's forgiveness and joined God's family.

Paul begins in Chapter 5 of Romans. After taking for granted that he has proven that justification is by faith in Chapter 4, he then proceeds to show the effects produced in the hearts of those believing gentiles who have come to Christ. Beginning in verse 1, he explains that once we have been made right in God's sight by faith (Strong's G3982 - the conviction of the truthfulness of God ), we have peace through our Lord Jesus Christ and no longer are at enmity with God.

Then, (v.2) Christ gives us access to God's grace! The word grace here is Strong's G 5485 which is from G 5463, “...especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life...” Our full and free pardon is only through Christ, and our continuance in a justified state is dependent upon Christ's gracious influence in our hearts as well as His intercession before the throne of God. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them,” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV). We can, now that we are in a place of undeserved privilege, rejoice in the hope of sharing the benefits of being in God's family.

With those benefits, as in any family, come responsibility to share in the rules of the household, bringing joy and glory to our Father, not disappointment and grief as do children who continually rebel against what they know they ought to do. God has, as any good father, given us simple but definite instructions on how to live His way throughout the Bible, setting us up for a joyful, healthy, and fulfilling life. When reminding the people he led out of Egypt of His laws as in Exodus 20:8 and then later in the same book, 31:16, God tells us it is for always, a perpetual (Strong's H5769 – olam, eternal) covenant. His household rules will never change. To follow them brings Him joy.

He also delights in the development of character in his children, and has a gentle way of helping us to develop the strength of character which reflects His. He allows in our life problems and trials (v.3) which He helps us to get through, developing in us patience (G5281 - cheerful endurance), and that patience develops experience; (G1382 - trustiness or reliability), and experience, hope (G1680 confidence)(v.4). That hope (confidence) will not bring disappointment because we know how dearly God loves us as He has given us His holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love (v.5).

Bringing God joy and glorifying Him is not so hard if we are committed to living His way and living for Him instead of for our own gain. You can find happiness, fulfillment, and success in the world, pleasing yourself and others, but it is only temporary at best. Only God's way pleases Him and brings unbelievable joy and peace.