There are quite a few plumbing options here in the Cincinnati area. It’s not uncommon to see vans and billboards advertising different services, but there are a few that stick out. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing calls itself “The Punctual Plumber,” which is a much appreciated trait for customers. Another company is cleverly named Royal Flush. But the company that may have the best name is simply called “Help!” This name perfectly conveys the urgency and desperation their customers may feel. This is the cry of someone in a situation that they do not have the expertise or ability to fix on their own.
The Christmas story points out a problem in all of us that we cannot fix on our own. Jesus came to remind us that we fall short of the standard of righteousness, and to be the help we need to meet that standard. One of the hardest truths to accept is that we are not good enough on our own. When we humbly accept God’s forgiveness, we learn to adore Him because nothing matters more. The apostle Paul knew firsthand the importance of knowing Christ, and in Philippians 3:2-11, he tells us a few ways Jesus helps us.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh– 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eight day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith– 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:2-11
- Jesus helps us become righteous
If anyone is righteous on their own, Paul says it’s him. But he still needed Jesus because only faith is enough to save us. Jesus alone gives us the gift of justification, presenting us before God as if we had never sinned.
- Jesus helps us become holy
Salvation is not the end of the story for believers, it is the beginning. God saves us from sin when we place our faith in Him, but he continues to work in our lives. Jesus gives us the gift of sanctification as He changes the way we live to reflect His character and give Him praise.
- Jesus helps us live forever
Our relationship with Jesus in this life lets us anticipate and look forward to eternal life with Him. The joy and glory we see now is only a small taste of what is to come. When we die, Jesus gives us the gift of glorification, completing our sanctification and ridding us fully of sin.
Having a problem you are unable to fix can be stressful, but it is a great relief when someone helps you solve it. The greatest problem we face is our sin, but Jesus is the fix we need. The only way to be righteous is to know Him personally and receive His Help!