Perfect glory awaits all God's people in Heaven, but we are far from that now. So what should we do? Martin Luther said, "Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly." Really? Sin boldly?
Yes!
As much as we may strive to get ready for that great wedding day, there is something even more important than making progress in righteousness. Really? Sure, we should make progress in right living. But even more importantly, we must testify to God's grace in our lives, telling the world that even the best Christian is still a sinner till the day he dies. In fact as we get closer to Christ, we are even more aware of just how far away from him we really are. Just how close do we think we are when we compare our lives with Holy God himself? Some unbelievers might have a better sense of their standing than some of us Christians! They might laugh at the idea of Christians trying to imitate God. And it is a laughable undertaking. Yet God commands us to follow him and he empowers us with his Holy Spirit.
The point is that you and I should remember to enjoy and praise Christ our savior even in the midst of our sinfulness.
Paul said in Philippians 2:17-18 (WEB),
17) Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. 18) In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.
While in the midst of the agony of pouring out his life to serve others, Paul invited his Christian brothers to be glad. Wise Solomon also says in Ecclesiastes 5:19 (WEB),
19) Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
So there is little value in seeking sadness when happiness is a gift of God. There is enough sadness from day to day without hunting for more. Yet Solomon also says in Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 (WEB),
12) Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13) This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14) For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.
We are right to enjoy God and the life he has given us. God does not want us walking around on egg shells pretending that we have not sinned! There is no point in hiding our sin from the Lord. Yet we are also warned to keep God's commands. One day we will stand before him at the judgment and every hidden thing will be revealed.
However, because of grace we can be happy and enjoy God right now in the midst of our struggle with sin. Yet we should also be motivated to obey him and please him. To help you understand this dynamic, imagine a relationship with a perfect father. The perfect father would be good and fun while caring for us in his home. He would also be fair and just in disciplining us as needed.
Now quit imagining because God is our perfect Heavenly Father!