Written By Ray Ortlund

Recently the New York City Police Department investigated a tragic death. Sprawled in a filthy back alley lay an old “bag lady” who had finally lost her battle with life. For years, she’d kept her body going by stealing the leftovers off plates in restaurants – but the more efficient the restaurants became, the more those food scraps were denied her. At last her frail, dirty shell gave up.

Then the newspapers revealed the news: Investigations showed she’d had many bank accounts, each holding hundreds of thousands of dollars! This old woman’s standing was the wealthy of the city, but her state was that of a miserable pauper.

Christian, do you ever live spiritually as if you were poor? Do you get discouraged, do you worry, as if you had no resources – when God has given you everything in Christ? The world is full of spiritual “bag ladies” whose states are tragically inconsistent with their standings.

Oh, that you would take comfort in Hebrews 10:14: “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

There! Do you see it?

“He hath perfected.” You’re already perfect: That’s your standing.

“That are sanctified.” You are sanctified (made holy): That’s your state.

And both are simultaneously true.

Hold up your head, Christian; take a deep breath and let God encourage you!

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