In numerology, spirituality, mythology, psychology, and astrology, the number seven carries numerous symbolic significances. The rainbow displays seven distinct colors, the week consists of seven days, the Earth is divided into seven continents, and there are Seven Wonders of the World. The number seven appears prominently in various religions, including Christianity. In the Roman numeral system, “vii” symbolizes the number 7, which is made up of seven distinct symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, each representing a different value. The combination of these symbols is used to represent all known numbers.
Seven also holds deep significance in both Judaism and Christianity, and it is mentioned often in religious texts. Across many faiths, seven is considered a sacred number. For instance, in the Old Testament, it is believed that God created the universe in six days, and rested on the seventh day (now, don’t drag me into the debate over the 7th day was a Saturday or a Sunday or a Monday. I wasn’t there with God when He was doing His thing. All I know is, there was a seventh day when He rested).
The Bible is used in religious teachings to enumerate seven serious sins, each of which is connected to a certain action that encourages people to commit more sins. The following are the sins in order of severity: arrogance, greed, jealousy, desire, laziness, rage, and overindulgence. Seven churches, seven stars, seven angels, seven plagues, seven trumpets, and seven seals are also mentioned in the Book of Revelations.
Continuing our exploration of the Bible, Isaiah 11:1-2 discusses the seven gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit: wisdom, insight, advice, courage, knowledge, faithfulness, and reverence for God. These gifts are fully realized in Christ and they enhance and refine the virtues of those who receive them.
With the aforementioned, I welcome you to the 7th month of this year 2024…JULY1
It’s been a long journey since the beginning of the year in January. So far, God be praised. What a trip it has been since the past six months. Without an iota of doubt, I believe our God will see us through the remaining months in this year in Jesus name. Welcome on board the flight into the second half and third quarter of 2024. Journey with me in exploring this seventh month which most refer to as a month depicting perfection or completion…depending on which one flows with you.
The concept of perfection can often seem daunting, possibly unattainable and unassailable. However, through our diligence and faithful efforts, it is a goal we are encouraged to pursue. Goal because it is not every goal that is achievable but working towards a particular goal helps in making us better.
Perfection is not about you being faultless but about you working to fix the faulty part of you. Let us delve into what it means to work towards perfection from a biblical perspective.
Our path starts with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” On first inspection, this directive might seem daunting. How can we, as imperfect creatures in our speech, deeds, and works, attain the level of perfection of our heavenly Father? To grasp this concept, we must delve into the deeper meaning of “perfection”.
In the scriptures, the word “perfection” typically suggests fullness, growth, and deep dedication rather than flawlessness. It’s about aiming for unity and complete devotion to God. The phrase “Be perfect” in Matthew 5:48 suggests a level of maturity and wholeness. Therefore, the pursuit of perfection involves developing into our full potential as God envisions for us.It is this difficulty in attaining perfection that ushered in the grace of God. Grace is what sustains our journey of life. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” God’s grace empowers us to strive for perfection by providing the strength and guidance we need.
Nonetheless, grace does not negate our responsibility to put in the effort. James 2:17 mentions, “Faith alone, if not backed by deeds, is pointless.” Our faith must be in motion, shown through what we do and choose. The collaboration between God’s favor and our work effort is essential in our aim for excellence
Given everything discussed above, it’s necessary to take concrete actions towards reaching perfection.
The steps are not limited to the under listed.
- Start your day with God: Begin each day with a heart devoted to God. Spend time in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength. Through prayer, we align our will with God’s, opening ourselves to His transforming power.
- The Word…a must read: Regularly engage with the Word of God. The Bible provides us with wisdom and direction, helping us understand God’s standards and how we can live by them. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- You cannot be Christ but let your character be: Reflect the character of Christ in your daily life. Remember the fruit of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Live by them and let them be in you.
- Trials are tests, persevere: Trials and tests are opportunities for growth, whenever they come, “consider them pure joy, my brothers and sisters… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
It is July. How did you start the year? It’s the seventh month, what do you want the remaining months in 2024 to bring? Are your steps right? Are you still holding on to those resolutions you made in January? Things worked out for Christ and so many other apostles, it can also work for you and me if we dedicate and rededicate our lives to Him with a pledge and promise to live right. Our imperfection should make us always ask God for mercies.
May we all be made perfect in Him; may we all be complete in Him.
Shalom.
© Legzy