What do you think of when you hear the word “perfection?” The dictionary tells us it is freedom from fault or defect. The Bible gives us several examples in the Old and New Testaments; verses such as Matthew 5:48 – “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” and Psalm 19:7 “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” I used these two specific verses because they were part of the scripture reading for today (Matthew 5:43-48 and Psalm 19:1-8). Referring back to my original question, perfection and what it means to you? I had always heard the phrase, “Practice makes perfect” when I was growing up. I played a lot of sports when I was younger and I took that phrase very seriously. I wanted to be the best and so I spent many hours developing my skills. It wasn’t until I was in college and I had a coach tell me that practice does not make one perfect. I was stumped for a moment and then my coach went on to explain to me what she meant. If one practices a skill incorrectly it does not matter how many hours are spent towards perfection because it can’t and will never be attained, why you ask…only perfect practice makes perfect. At that moment it was as if someone turned a switch on and I suddenly understood. Over the years I have developed a new appreciation for perfection and it’s mastery. My goals in athleticism was to be perfect, the realistic aspirations may have been out of my grasp but it did not deter me from striving for it. The same is true in my Christian life, I am sinful but Jesus loves me and when I obey and study His Words He is working in me to mold and make me “perfection.” Just because I am sinful does not mean I don’t strive and desire perfection that can only come from God. My encouragement and prayer for you as well as for myself is that we abide in God as stated in, Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Everyday is a new opportunity to start with a clean slate, a new day to strive towards perfection in Christ Jesus! My prayer for today is that we will not let our sinful nature hinder us from striving for the perfection that comes from God, Amen!
“We need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven. The only fatal thing is to sit down content with anything less than perfection.” ~C.S.Lewis (Mere Christianity)
~Blessings and Peace~
Reference:
Preparing for Easter by C.S.Lewis
(NIV) New International Version of the Bible
HOPE SEEKER 