I am so far from perfect.

I went to bed last night, made aware (again and keenly) of my imperfections as a father, as a brother, as a man, and as a mission board chairman.

I got up this morning…with my condition unchanged.

Then I read this:

“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God” (Hebrews 7:19).

My condition remains the same. But my focus is slightly different. So I need to keep changing my focus back to what it ought to be.

Changing my focus. Changing, changing, changing. Until the fuzziness is gone. Until my vision is clear and sharp.

Of Him. The One on Whom I need to hope (ie depend).

“No good deed goes unpunished,” proclaimed some cynic (and many after him as well).

I know what that feels like.

So this morning I am reassured (and reenergized? not yet, anyway) by Hebrews 6:10 . . . .

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

God’s character rides on His not forgetting the service I render to His people! Just as evil is contrary to Him, so is forgetfulness of the good His people do in love. He is no more likely to forget that good than He is to sin.

I am blessed and encouraged by that.

And challenged, too. Challenged to serve those around me. In love. Beginning at home. And in my home congregation.