God has promised to perfect His work in the lives of those who know Him and humbly depend upon Him. This priceless promise of the Old Testament is restated in other words for our sake and for our consideration in the New Testament: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6

Think of the astounding implications of this promise. "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me." Our God has pledged to fully accomplish His will and His plan in every matter that pertains to our lives. Whether it is growth in biblical insight, development in godliness, progress in marriage, or whatever, "the LORD will perfect that which concerns [us]."

If we have given even minimal attention to God's word, we know that He wants us to grow in sound biblical understanding. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food" (Hebrews 5:12). If we will humbly feed on God's word, seeking Him for spiritual insight, He "will perfect that which concerns [us]" in this life and beyond.

If we care about the will of God for our overall spiritual development, we know His word calls us to godliness. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12). If we seek the Lord and trust in Him for ongoing growth in godliness, He "will perfect that which concerns [us]" in this area as well.

With respect to family life, the scriptures reveal God's will to be a household of mutually submissive servants, each serving the other out of reverence for the Lord: "submitting to one another in the fear of God" (Ephesians 5:21). The servant wife would follow the spiritual leadership of the husband. "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). The servant husband would love his wife with sacrificial Christ-like love. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). As each seeks the Lord for His transforming grace, He "will perfect that which concerns [us]" in this area of life also.

Dear Father, forgive me for attempting to perfect myself, when You have promised to attend to it. My vain efforts only quench the work of Your Spirit of grace. Lord, please carry out Your transforming work in my study of the word, my need to grow in godliness, my relationships at home, my testimony on the job, my service of You; my entire life, in Jesus' name, Amen.