Though most of those who know me probably wouldn't guess it, I am quite a perfectionist.
My perfectionism manifests itself in many diverse ways (often to the chagrin of my wife): getting the "perfect" guitar tone, the "perfect" barefoot running strike, finding the "perfect" bible version, and various other manifestations.
You may have noticed I put perfect in quotations. I've done this because, as often happens during my lunch runs, I've had a revelation. There is no such thing as perfection in this lifetime.
This may seem obvious to most, but for some of us it's harder to let go of the idea of perfection. Perfectionism is often associated with adult children of alcoholics, and I just read something that it's closely related to depression. When you think about it it makes sense: we are striving for something that is not attainable in order to gain some measure of control or feel better about ourselves.
It doesn't help then in matters of faith when we are told by Jesus (in most bible translations) to "be perfect"! (Matthew 5:48) But a closer look at the Greek word for "perfect" reveals that the word more accurately means "complete". And, comparing scripture with scripture, we see that we already have been made complete in Christ! (Colossians 2:10). Therefore "perfection" is not based on our performance, but rather by faith in Christ and what he did for us on the glorious cross. Hallelujah!
Now can we live in willful sin and disobedience and still claim to be "perfect" in Christ? Of course not. Faith needs to be put into action, and God gives us all we need in order to live godly lives (2 Peter 1:3). But when we do fail, restoration is instantaneous upon our [true] repentance (see 1 John 1:9), and don't let Satan ever tell you otherwise.
Giving up on perfection in this lifetime lifts a great weight off our shoulders.We need to "let go" (see Psalm 46:10 footnote), and let God be all He says He can be in us. Amen.
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