Fresh StartSample

The Pursuit of Perfection

“That’s perfect!” are the words a student says after seeing the letter “A” on their project. The work was not just good – it was perfect. Across town, a parent scolds a child for falling short on a violin piece, saying, “This needs to be perfect!” Such are the experiences of countless people caught in the pursuit of perfection.

One irritant to a healthy spiritual life is the pursuit of 100% perfection through our own strength. While God is decidedly perfect and desires our complete devotion, it seems only logical that the best way to please and serve Him is to give 100% in everything we do. After all, Jesus taught us to be perfect like our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48). However, this statement is often misunderstood. God’s desire is not for us to achieve perfection on our own, but to be perfected through Him.

Only God is truly perfect, and He knows and appreciates our human limitations. His desire is not for us to strive to be Him – flawless and unerring – but for us to move a bit closer to His perfect will while learning to rely on Him along the way. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew is a statement of hope, pointing us toward the future. God knows, loves and accepts you as you are, and He has achieved perfection on your behalf.

Are you caught up in pursuing perfection to gain favour with God or others? Is your image of God as someone who demands 100% perfection in all you do? Do you clearly understand that God cherishes you with your imperfections?

Trust and treasure God as the one perfect constant in your life. Focus on moving closer to what God desires for you as you grow and mature. Definitely, do your best and be as complete as you can in your present stage of life.