Achieving Perfection
Ps 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
NIV
I might as well go ahead and confess. I am a perfectionist- in so many ridiculous ways! I cannot stand typos. Or clutter. Misspelled words on signs drive me up the wall! When I type letters, I proof them two or three times. But, I can never really obtain the perfection I desire. I always fall short. But it does not stop me from trying! In other areas, I can be rather, well, “slap-happy.” My penmanship is never perfect, or even legible. When folding clothes that will be hidden behind a cabinet door, I have a level of “good enough” that is fine by me. So, perhaps I am just a quasi-perfectionist…
But not God! His way is perfect! His Word is always flawless. He never falls short, overlooks a detail, or forgets to follow through. He is the perfection that I strive for. I am so thankful that at the end of me, perfection takes over! When I do not know what to do, He always knows the direction I need to take.
Lately, the Lord has impressed on me in numerous ways, that His Word is life-changing. I know this, but it has become a fresh revelation in my life recently. Just reading the Bible, or sitting under anointed preaching or teaching, brings about a change in our hearts. Exposure to the living Word is enough to transform our minds and direct us in the best path for our lives. As I look into the mirror of His Word, I am convicted of my tendency to sin. The Bible judges my motives, my actions and my Words. The more time I invest in Kingdom pursuits, the more sensitive I become to His ways, direction and conviction. The Word of God inspires me to be a better daughter of the King, a more dutiful servant, a more passionate witness. When I notice an imperfection in myself, I need look no further than the Bible, to find my remedy! My trying will never be enough. I need His grace and His provision.
A few years back my youngest son was attacked by a dog. It knocked him down, bit him and growled until he was shrieking in terror. To this day, he is afraid when he sees a dog. My usually fearless, little guy runs around my legs and hides when he sees a dog. He knows Mama will do whatever she has to do to keep the dog off of Him. I would gladly throw myself between him and any danger. But let’s face it; I am not that strong or ferocious. But God! God is unlimited in power, might or know-how. I can run behind him and be completely hidden from my enemy. He is the perfect shield. The perfect defense. He is my strong tower, I can run to Him and be saved!
Are you struggling with your imperfections? Are you facing some fears? Do you need a sanctuary? Look to our Heavenly Father to be what you need!
Dear Lord, I pray today for those who torment themselves with trying to achieve perfection, especially those with eating disorders, phobias or compulsive behaviors. Lord, I pray that whoever struggles today, will find their perfection in You. Let them experience the safety that is found only in Your Name. Let them rest quietly in your sufficiency. Help them to lay aside the struggle and to trust instead. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Amen, Sherri. Although we will never achieve perfection, in Jesus God is perfecting us for life ever-lasting. God is our shield and protector.