Perfection

Gò0dNews for Life

Perfection

by Kristen West

Perfection. It was a standard I believed I needed to achieve in every area of my life when I was a child. From grades to social status, trendy outfits to recital performances, perfection ruled my life. When I became an adult—going through a variety of life messes—I realized perfection is a myth this side of Heaven. It took me many years to realize that there is a vast difference between perfection (a standard the world promotes) and being perfected (a work that God performs).

If I may, I would like to wipe off the glossy veneer on the surface of perfection to reveal its dark underside—pride. The two always go hand in hand. The Pharisees—abrasive and confrontational characters that repeatedly appear in the Gospel stories—are a perfect case study for this. These religious men always put their egos first, made outward appearance of most importance and were obsessed with trapping Jesus. The Pharisees lived for perfection. They were rule keepers to the nth degree. Pride was their driving motive.

Jesus clashed with this self-righteous group more than any other recorded in Scripture. Matthew 23 details a speech that Jesus gave to warn people about the deceptions of the Pharisees—denouncing their arrogant ways. A few highlights included: *They do not practice what they teach. (verse 3) *They do everything to be seen by others. (verse 5) *They live for social status, titles, and approval. (verses 6 & 7) *They focus on the outward appearance. (verses 27 & 28)

This group of men had zero compassion for the hurting, no empathy for the broken, and complete disregard for the wounded. Pride reigned supreme in their hearts—the very opposite of what Jesus stood, lived and died for. Without the grace of God, we would be just like them, wouldn’t we? Our sinful disposition always leans towards pride and is bent to act like the Pharisees. It requires God working internally within us to move us from a place of pride to one of humility, love and grace. Thanks be to God for the work of being perfected!

David, known as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), said it simply in Psalm 138:8: “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” David understood he was a work in progress. God made it resoundingly clear that He was looking upon David’s heart and not his outward appearance or performance: “…man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).

What a statement of truth, grace, and hope! The same God who looked on David’s heart is the same God working in us today! I pray this truth would breathe life into your heart, friend! We were not made to carry the burden of perfection, walk under the weight of pride or keep up with the demands of appearances. Give all that to Jesus today and let Him perfect that which concerns you: “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

About The Author Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

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