Perfection? NOT!

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 NIV

“Progress not perfection.” AA slogan

The above quotes are head-scratching, aren’t they? If you’re a recovering Black Sheep, Scapegoat, ne’er do well, you’re finished before you ever start. I’m a C+ student at best in an A+ faith. There are many more knowledgeable than I, who have stated that “perfect” in Jesus’ statements and others throughout the New Testament actually translates into “whole” or “complete.” I’m no theologian, but even being complete or whole is beyond my grasp, beyond my understanding. A good day teases me into believing otherwise. Someone does it for me.

I had a major computer problem from a Windows update that destroyed my photos, articles, books and other items. I felt erased by an unknown gremlin. It cost me to restore my computer and heartbreakingly, some of my things are gone permanently. Lesson learned. Make sure, Babs, to have an external hard drive and save, save, save. Each day that I start again, it’s done with a heavy heart.

Even more devastating are imperfect people who’ve crashed you, crushed you, criticized you.   How to save and restore? Perfection. There’s Only One Who’s Perfect–Wonderful Counselor. Dare I say Programmer?  Code professional? He made us. He is there to restore what the Thief has robbed and threatened to kill. We can be whole, complete and grateful because of the Perfect One. Even more good news, he works within us and makes us an example of his grace and love, if we let him.

Musings

Bad times come. Bad situations. Frustrations. Unfairness to the max happens. Inside I want to scream, throw out, stomp my feet, and rage, especially at those that have been hurtful, abusive, gossipy. Human nature.

I’m to be perfect. Complete. Whole. That’s spiritual nature made possible by God’s grace and love. There’s no other way. He is the Way, Truth and the Life.

Prayer

Father, help me to see that I’m perfect because of my trust in your Son. Help me to partner with you to be whole and complete, especially when I don’t understand. I don’t understand most of the time. You know this. You are patient.

You created the heavens and the Earth, but the greatest of your creation is Jesus. The keeper and encourager of our souls. Thank you.

Amen