Motivational speakers repeat the wisdom of our culture. “Do not settle for less than excellent.” “Set the bar of expectation high.” “If you do not aim for perfection, you will never achieve it.” In the “all about me” culture, striving for perfection is expected. It is how a person gets ahead, finds success. The world declares it negatively reflects “me” if I don’t hit the mark. In the proper context, excellence is undoubtedly a noble goal. However, a misplaced purpose will often yield the wrong result.
In his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul shares the right reason to give our best. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the LORD as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24) When the focus is serving the Lord Jesus Christ, and the purpose is to honor and glorify God, the pursuit of perfection is a good thing.
Shifting the motive from self-fulfillment (or selfish pride) to the glorification of God is the key. Expectations of perfection in oneself, family, friends, church, employer, employees, or fellow citizens will always lead to disappointment. We are sinners; we mess up; we fail.
“Surely, there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
Jesus Christ was the only exception. He lived a sinless life to free us from sin’s bondage.
“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26)
Jesus loves us even in our less than ideal state.
“…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
He chose to give His life, so humankind would have the opportunity to find perfection in Him.
“For our sake, he made him be sin who knew no sin so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Much like the society today, the culture of Jesus’ day did not understand perfection. “All about me” is not a new concept, but a lie the enemy uses to tempt every generation toward self-worship.
Quite often, I find myself stressing to refine the tiniest element of a task. It drives my friends crazy. Attention to detail can yield excellent results. However, it provides an opportunity for unnecessary stress and discontentment if the purpose is self-centered. The question I must ask myself can be a painful one to answer with absolute honesty. Am I stressing over these details to honor and glorify God or because of my pride? Ouch.
Turning the focus from “me” to the purpose Jesus has for my life requires consistent personal check-ups. Most people realize they have faults and shortcomings. I am acutely aware of mine. The woman looking back at me in the mirror each day falls short of the ideals I wish for her. But my objectives are not the goal; my aspirations must first conform to God’s purpose for me. I must be willing to ask God to mold and refine me, and then I must follow Him in obedience and faith.
My heart desires to live for Jesus. Yes, I want to be the perfect wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I want to love others well. I think we are never more like Jesus than when we authentically love others. My ultimate goal is to allow Jesus to use my life to be His hands and feet in this generation. If I can submit to His will, my relationships with others will fall in place.
Lord Jesus, check my pride. May my motivation be pure in your sight, and my love for you be the reason for my pursuit of excellence. Replace my desire to please myself (and others) with a sincere yearning to delight you. Help me remember that I am here to serve you. Thank you for mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
Perfect? Oh no, no way. Working on the imperfections? Absolutely. Until my journey is complete in heaven, my prayer is to honestly and fervently pursue Jesus. Perfection is in Him alone.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
