Perfect

Last week I had a conversation with our 5th graders about the pressures of being "perfect". We talked about where we feel pressure from, what standard we are trying to reach, and why we get so disappointed in ourselves when we aren't the best of the best.

I listened and closely related to the hearts of those kids. It's impossible to live a sinless life. In many ways through scripture, "perfect" is used to describe Christ and how he operates. His ways are perfect. He is perfect in faithfulness.  His authority is perfect. His word is perfect.  

 In Matthew, Jesus even commands us to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. 

No pressure, right?

Then, I had this thought, "I wonder if it's idolatry when we tell people their homes, children, bodies, jobs, or lives are perfect?" If the only reason we know perfection is because of God and who He is, how He loves, is it wrong that we as humans use that to describe things on earth? I'm going to venture to say God doesn't love it when we comment on pictures on Instagram saying "So perfect!" It has been convicting me so strongly that I only know the meaning and the very definition of that word "without sin" because of Christ. So I should probably take it out of my daily usage describing people or situations. As awesome as we can interpret others' lives to be, those people are not Jesus, so let's stop describing people as if they were equal with Christ.

BUT, here's the beautiful tension and redemption with my struggle with this word. Not only is the word "perfect" used through scripture to describe sinlessness but, it's used to describe a process Christ is doing in the hearts of those who love him. "Perfect" is also used to describe someone who is of complete maturity and faith; an ongoing process for a lifetime of believers. Praise God this word won't hang over me forever. Praise God He's working this out in my heart and life. Praise God I'm being made perfect through my sin, doubt, and unfaithfulness. Let's remind our children of this, that their standard to live up to is not of this world. Their idea of perfection should have nothing to do with what this world offers- it's about being perfected in the sight of Jesus. 

The scripture of Matthew 5 is brought back into focus, and I am so empowered. This command of Jesus isn't only a reminder of why to live a sinless life, but it's also a reminder to live a life that is open. Jesus is commanding us to open ourselves so God can do the work in us. The work that leads to maturity, full faith and wisdom. Allow Christ to work in you, so that you, in His holy and perfect sight, will be made perfect when you see Him face to face. 

" I am called to live in such a perfect relationship with God that my life produces a yearning for God in the lives of others, not admiration for myself. Thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to God. God’s purpose is not to perfect me to make me a trophy in His showcase; He is getting me to the place where He can use me. Let Him do what He wants." Oswald Chambers