"High as heaven, that is the calling wherewith we are called. But this very height makes it seem impractical or impossible. It is natural to say - That was well enough for one so transcendently gifted as Paul to hope for: but I am no gifted person -- I have no iron strength of mind -- I have no optimistic or positive hopefulness of character --

I am disposed to look on the dark side of things -- I am undetermined, weak, vacillating; and beside that, I have a whole army of passions and follies to contend with. We have to remind ourselves of one thing we have forgotten: It is the high calling of God if you will; but it is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. What the world calls virtue is a name and a dream without Christ. The foundation of all human excellence must be laid deep in the blood of the Redeemer's cross, and in the power of His resurrection." F. W. Robertson.