Reckoned as Righteous

God does not require perfection in performance from us.  If such were the case Abraham never would have made it to the Faith Hall of Fame.  When we read his story, we see a man who is constantly stumbling as he follows the leading of the Lord.  Despite all those times when he took matters into his own hands instead of trusting in the Lord, the Word says about him, "And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned him as righteous." (Genesis 15:6)   

Centuries after Abraham walked with God, John Wesley, the father of Methodism, would preach a doctrine of Christian perfection.  It was then as it is now greatly misunderstood. Wesley was not teaching about being perfect in our outward behavior, but instead, living as one who sought such heart purity that life was directed solely by the perfect love of God.  As the Word reminds us, God looks not on outward appearance, but on the heart.    

It was according to what was in his heart that Abraham was reckoned as righteous.  It was the same for Wesley and it is the same for us.  I always remember a small child from years ago who climbed on the kitchen counter, put his dirty feet in the dishwater, and reached into the sink to wash the dishes for his sick mother.  His act was imperfect, but his intentions and his love was pure.  So, it can be with all of us who seek to be counted as righteous by God.