Blemish

<<flaw, blotch>>

We all have imperfections and flaws in both our bodies and character. Accept physical defects that can’t be remedied, recognising these bodily blotches should not detract from our self-esteem but instead be accepted as a distinguishing mark of who God created us to be. Instead we should be

What changeable blemishes in my character am I working on?

working on the more important character issues that can be corrected and brought into conformity with God’s design.

Christ loves the church (the redeemed people) and is working in us to cleanse us, so we can be presented to Him without stain, or wrinkle or any other blemish (Eph 5:27). This is the ultimate state of believers in heaven where we will be changed and fully conformed to His character, for at the present
within us individually and collectively there is much imperfection and impurity (Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 15:51,52; 2 Cor 3:18).

The OT sacrificial animals were to be perfect (without physical defects), yet even this ruling was violated with sick, less-than quality animals being offered (Lev 22:22; Deut 15:21; Mal 1:8). Each sacrifice was a symbol of the future sacrifice of Christ, who was “a lamb without blemish or defect” (Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:19, 2:22). He is worthy of the best we can give Him, yet He wants us, not just our things. Remember He is to be first in our lives and we are to “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship” (Mk 12:30; Rom 12:1). Do I try and cheat Him by substituting what He deserves with a defective less-than wholesome offering? How about our level of obedience, quality devotional time, finances and willingness to sacrifice our desires for His Kingdom?

Going forward into the future it is our responsibility to walk uprightly taking precautions to keep away from sin that easily entangles “…let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit…” (2 Cor 7:1; 2 Tim 2:21; Heb 12:1; Jas 4:8). If we knowingly continue in sin this is to present to the Lord a “blemished,” unholy sacrifice. God who is holy expects us His children to honour Him with purity and holiness (1 Pet 1:16). God saw through the shoddy sacrifices the Israelites made and He knows when we are not honest but stingy with Him too. However, thank God, the blood of Christ cleanses from sins committed in the past that have been repented of (1 Jn 1:9).