JUST LIKE OUR LORD – “FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS”

The Bible tells us that the LORD is sanctifying us by His Holy Spirit. Sanctification is the process where God is moulding or shaping us into the image of His Son, our LORD Jesus Christ. This in simple words is, sanctification.
– “16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away…8 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:16,18

Now if we are being transformed into the image or the mould of the LORD Jesus Christ, then we should be thinking, speaking and behaving like Him. Isn’t it so? Through sanctification, the LORD is forming or shaping in us, the SAME ATTITUDE, the SAME INTENT, and the SAME MOTIVES that our LORD Himself has. The work of sanctification is to RESHAPE or RENEW our thoughts, words and deeds, that would not only match that of our LORD Jesus; but also, we would truly and wholly be, just like our LORD, not in physical appearance, nor in our role, but in all our thoughts, words and deeds. This in another words is, being the ambassadors of the LORD Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:20; and to show forth the praises of Him, who has called us out of darkness, into His marvellous light – 1 Peter 2:9-10. It is good to note though, we were never gods, neither will we ever be, or become one, in the future.

Now let us consider some words and deeds of our LORD, that demonstrate to us the thoughts of our God, and His heart. 
– “​1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:1-14

The process of sanctification, that is taking place in us, is not some theoretical process, nor an intellectual exercise. This sanctification involves, practical, tangible and verifiable transformation of our thoughts, words and deeds. The above passage from Psalm 103 lists out certain things about God and how He chooses to deal with us. Now, as people being transformed into the image of the LORD Jesus, let us do the same, for all our fellow human beings…all who are around us.

1- “FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS”
All the benefits we enjoys are a gift of God, which we do not deserve even one bit. This is the reason why David, the psalmist says…
– “​1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:” – Psalm 103:1-2

We are called to forget not, all the blessings [benefits] that we have received from our LORD. In other words, we are called to remember every blessing we receive from the LORD, and to thank God, for every one of them.

Now to the practical lesson for our sanctification. 
– God had done so many good things for us, not expecting anything in return.
– God had done so many good things for us, despite we being unfaithful, ungrateful and unworthy.
– God had done so many good things for us, and He has done it all without any fee. Every blessing of God is free.
– NOW CAN WE DO JUST THE SAME TO OTHERS AROUND US?
– CAN WE THINK, SPEAK AND BEHAVE like how God had behaved with us, as He blessed us?

Pardon me dear brothers and sister, I ALMOST FORGOT. The process of sanctification is terribly painful. It will crush all that belongs to our flesh, and beat us to pulp. Only when we are willing to be beaten to pulp, and crushed beyond recognition, would the “New Man” or “New Person” would triumphantly emerge. Are we game for it? Even so, the LORD help us.