Do I Measure Up?

Tekel…Daniel 5:27

The rest of Daniel 5:27: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting. This was God’s word to Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. A word written on the wall and interpreted by Daniel before the king. Actually, one of four words: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. Words unknown to the king but explained by Daniel. Words which came to the king because of Verse 22: But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this.

“Although you knew all this.” Words that sound very similar to Romans 1:18-19: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be know of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. Clearly, God judges people based upon what they know as truth but refuses to humble their hearts.

This is why the gospel is so important. It is the power of God to salvation, Romans 1:16-17. God, knowing the helpless state of His creation, sent His Son to save them from themselves. Once saved there is therefore no condemnation—there is no longer a need to try and balance the scale of justice. God did it by His mercy and grace. Jesus said, “It is finished.” There is no longer a need to “be better.” You are complete in Christ.

You have been justified, set-apart by His Spirit for good works. Though your learning about your new condition continues, you are complete in Christ. Spiritual growth is progressive, salvation is not progressive. It is instant and eternal. This is true even when (possibly, especially when) you do not ‘feel’ saved. As we grow in Christ, we realize we cannot trust our ever-changing emotional state. Emotions are not trustworthy. 

We must learn to look deeper into who we are in Christ for stability; not only in faith but in life. The Bible says we are body, soul, and spirit; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Knowing the difference will help balance our ever-changing emotional state. Our body is our ‘tent’ 2 Corinthians 5:1-4. It is always growing older; moving closer to its end. The soul (psuche) is the psychology of our body. Where our mind, will, and emotions are based and hopefully controlled. Our spirit (pneuma) is our core, who we are. While our soul may reflect the Spirit, our spirit is joined with the Spirit; at our core.

Perhaps this is why we were crucified, buried, and raised with Christ, Galatians 2:20, so that we like Paul can say, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh (body) I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. By this truth—this new reality—we live and survive each day with its constantly changing circumstances. Trusting Jesus, and Him alone, you measure up until you reach the full stature of Christ, Ephesians 4:13