Perfect. This word has rolled around in my head all day about lots of different subjects. I don't even know where to begin. Perhaps the definition of the word would be a good beginning. Merriam-Webster defines perfect as a : being entirely without fault or defect : flawless <a perfect diamond> b : satisfying all requirements : accurate c : corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept <a perfect gentleman> d : faithfully reproducing the original; specifically.
I often think of myself as less than perfect, and I should. Only God is perfect, and the above definition backs up my claim. Romans 3:10 says "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one" I'm sure most people do it, whether realizing it or not, but comparing yourself to those you view as "perfect" can be detrimental to your self-esteem. I am a chronic comparer. I have friends that I truly think are as close to perfect as you can get here on earth. I often feel that I will never measure up to them, never fit in, etc. I have struggled ever since I can remember with feeling less than perfect for any number of things. But today, as I thought about the meaning of perfect, and the fact that God is the only perfect One, I also realized that I have to stop measuring myself to my "perfect" friends and measure myself to who I am in Christ.
I grew up hearing a minister who taught a lot about being "In Christ". Romans is a great book that teaches a lot about who we are in Christ. In Christ, I am justified and made righteous. Romans 5:1 In Christ, I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1 In Christ, I am a temple of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16. There are so many promises in God's word, and when we can fully realize who we are in Christ, we can walk in those promises. If I put it in terms that I can fully comprehend, if I didn't know who I was in my family (my parents, sister, etc), I would never fully realize their love, understanding, and promises they hold for me. Romans 8:14-17 "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." We are heirs with Christ. We must know who we are In Christ. Don't lose sight of your inheritance in Him. I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about HIM! He is our inheritance. He is our hope! He is PERFECT! Psalm 18:30 "As for God, His way is perfect"
Though we may not know perfect people here on earth, we can know the One who holds us and directs our lives is perfect, and He will perfect that which concerns us. Psalm 138:8 - "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me: your mercy, O LORD, endures for ever: forsake not the works of your own hands." So, I will keep in the forefront of my mind that I am not perfect, but neither are any of my friends, family, pastors, church, etc. Praise God! He will perfect that which concerns me! His way is perfect!
I read this a few days ago, but it had taken me a while to reflect on it before I decided what to comment. I think the reason it took me so long was because my own personal "perfection" hang up seems to be more in comparing myself to the me that I could be, more than comparing myself to someone else (although I do that to). I get annoyed at myself when I don't feel like I am living up to my own perfectionist standards...when the dust is layered too thick on the shelves or the weeds are growing too bold in the lawn...those things that I just can't seem to keep up with. Those things are a constant, nagging reminder to me that I am not perfect and never will be. And your message of seeking perfection only in the person of Christ and our own imperfections pointing us to our need for Him, is one that I have to preach to myself on a regular basis to keep from getting frustrated at myself for not keeping up with my own unreachable standards of perfection. We really need to give ourselves a break by not comparing ourselves to others (or to any ridiculously high standard), and instead focusing on our wholeness and perfection in Christ.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the soul-food, Chandra.