Perfection In A Non-Perfect World

As Chrisitans, we strive for something we know is is not attainable. Why? Because Jesus told us to. And, if He knows us better than we know ourselves, we can trust in the fact that even though perfection is not possible for you and I working towards it is. Beginning in the Old Testament, God's creation realized its' inability to be perfect. In the Book of Job (9:20) we read Job's self-realization that he will never be perfect and to think so would be utterly unrealistic or acceptable.

So what do we say then? Since perfection is not attainable, why even try? Ecclesiastes (12:13) tells us what our duty is, Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. What does God command us to do? In Genesis, He told Abraham to walk before me and be thou perfect. The Apostle Paul told the church in Corinth to Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

It is important to also look at the state of our society when talking about perfection. In the world's eyes, we are expected to be perfect at school, work, home and even church. Social media and commercials on television portraying so-called perfect people living perfect lives. Our society is very good at quickly pointing out others imperfections. It is both amazing and sad to watch how willing some are to share and spotlight the failures of others. Since Jesus and the world both seem to call for perfection, is there a difference? Absolutely. Jesus offers us forgiveness when we fail. On the other hand, society seems to pile on even more when someone falls short.

When the days come in which you feel like a failure, I encourage you to seek strength and encouragement in Paul's letter to the Phillipians (3:12-13) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

Everyday is an opportunity to be more like Jesus. Keep striving!

Pastor Aaron