Being perfect is not what you think.

We sure know how to beat ourselves up if everything we do isn’t perfect. Other people seem to be able to (insert everything you’ve failed at), why can’t I? We need to have the perfect house, the perfect wedding, the perfect body. But is that really possible? If we look at nature, is there any perfection in nature? Not really. Nature is messy, and so are our lives. We can do a good job of working toward excellance, but perfection is an illusion that will kill us. That’s a good place to stop and think about where that drive comes from. Here’s a hint, it’s not from God.

God has another idea of what perfection is. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. (Gen 6:9) God actually does call us to be perfect, but perfect in His definition, not ours. Noah was perfect because he as a just man and walked with God. David was a man after God’s heart because he loved God completely. Both Noah and David made mistakes, but God was looking at hearts of repentance and devotion.

Even then, we can look at ourselves and wonder how we could meaure up against that yardstick. It’s easier than you think. God actually does the work He wants to see in you. God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. (2Sam 22:33) It is God wo arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. (Ps 18:32) The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. (Ps 138:8) Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Mat 5:48) And the glory which You gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one. I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one. (Jhn 17:22-23)

God sees us as perfect when we give our lives to Him. It’s doable. Jesus told the rich young ruler, If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor. (Mat 19:21) It’s all about our hearts. We walk with God, God makes us perfect. He’s not that interested in all the fussiness we stress about when we try to be perfect according to our definition. Walk with God, He will make you perfect in His sight because He will do all the work.