The Perfection Paradox
Yesterday I shared the above image on my Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. I still think it is funny, and not to mention, it contains mention of a verse, that is in one of my favorite “blocks of verses”, which is fully →
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:21-24
Well I received a comment about the photo on Pinterest, and wanted to just felt led to write about it a bit. The comment was, “This is true but I also think that everyone is "perfect" in their own way... like perfect who they are. NO one is really perfect besides God."
As we all know language is changing, not only does a word mean what it originally meant (for years gone by), but in some cases it can actually mean not it actually, but be said for effect - the word literally is a good example. Not to mention I myself use [my own] slang a good portion of the time, so first lets examine what the word perfect means.
Merriam-Websters defines perfect first as, “being entirely without fault or defect".
The scripture has a whole lot to say on perfection. Apart from Mr. Solomon's use of the word the verses all echo similar chords, how God is the only thing perfect and how "actions" and "thoughts" can be perfected by seeking and aligning oneself to God's will. As I believe it to be true, we (humanly) cannot be perfect, unless we are 100% of God (i.e. we will obtain true perfection in heaven | new earth | aka next chapter) should that "label" even matter then. Sure, we are all unique and awesome [I stand by that 150%], but alas are we ever actually “what we are destined to finally be” since we are “always being improved upon” until we are no longer here?
The fact that we are not perfect is one of the reasons we follow after Him, so we can be more like Him. And yes, we are “made perfect in God’s eyes”, but that is because God looks at those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior through blood-stained goggles. The Father doesn’t see our fault, because He see’s what His Son did on our behalf.
Can I get an AMEN?
Now you may or may not know this, but actually my self-dubbed theme song is Perfect, written by Flyleaf and Matt Lewis. If I ever get a chance to speak stadium style, a la Joyce Meyers, I totally want that playing as I walk to wherever my final destination is in the building. Lacey Sturm belts out so amazingly exactly what echoes in my core. Please take a listen.
Thank you dear Lord for giving us free will, for allowing us to choose You whole-heartedly, even though as a believer I (and many others) may wish our free-will was taken away so we could not fall. However, we thank you for giving us a way back to you, apart from ourselves - apart from Old Testament laws, one based on true love, obedience and grace. We yearn to echo that same love out to the world, may we be shining examples of You (Father, Son and Spirit) to those that we meet. May we seek to build each other up, instead of tearing each other down. May the word perfect not even enter our thoughts, unless we immediately associate it with You. Search us dear Lord, and make us more like You. In the name of your perfect Son, Jesus Christ, we pray.
Want to read more biblical truth and personal thoughts about perfection?
Check out 31 Rays of Hope [A Month of Daily Devotionals] : Day Twenty-One "Better Than Cupcakes".
Check out 31 Rays of Hope [A Month of Daily Devotionals] : Day Twenty-One "Better Than Cupcakes".
4 comments
Well said, Hollie Marie! The thoughts you express, if believed, will help us guard against arrogance on the one hand and discouragement on the other.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ms Margaret!
DeleteNice written. I wrote in my blog : willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com:about almost the same topic. " sinner or saint" i believe God is revealing the truth to many:) thanks sister in Christ:)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am heading over to you blog *right now*. :D
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