There is one thing that not one of us will ever attain: perfection. This is perfection in righteousness, forgiveness, patience, love, selflessness, and the list goes on. We are so painfully aware of our own imperfections that we often define ourselves by these things; yet, contrarily, we are so quick to call others “perfect” in referring to their talents, their looks, their good deeds, their ability to get done in one day what might take us a week (or two). Especially at this time, in the midst of resolutions and the excitement of a fresh start that is the beginning of 2015, how easy is it for us to succumb to the pressure of needing to finally attain perfection this year. I hear, far too often, criticism of the self – and I am not going to deny that a great percentage of the self-criticism I hear is coming out of my own mouth – while jumping so quick to praise others for their perfection, usually accompanied by a comment of self-deprecation or a tone of self-disappointment.
Need I remind us: perfection, as defined by Merriam-Webster is “being entirely without fault or defect” or “faithfully reproducing the original”. I know not one person, even my very favorites, that are entirely free of shortcoming and devoid of flaw. And, further, I do not know one person that immaculately resembles the original that is our perfect and beloved Savior.
I think it might be time for us to do two things. The first would be to give ourselves some grace and let ourselves be flawed (of course, appreciating and loving our flaws for what they are is ideal, but just letting them be is the first step in self-acceptance). The second goal would be to stop calling others what they are not – perfect – because it creates a much greater sense of disappointment when we are unable to meet the standard by which we are held. Instead, to call someone for what they truly are – may it be generous, loving, compassionate, beautiful, captivating, or just all-around wonderful – is so much greater a compliment, because there is no room for false praise. In calling a friend lovely, you are reminding her that she is lovely, including her flaws and imperfections, and not because she is without them.
Matthew 5:48 says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Jesus isn’t telling us to be perfect in our humanly ways, because this is unattainable. Instead, He asks us to be one step closer to perfect by loving and fearing the One that is wholly and completely and inherently perfect. We will never be perfect in the things that we do, and that is okay. Even better than okay, that is relieving! Rather, strive for perfection in glorifying Him, as He is perfect, and solely in doing so, you will be able to close the gap between yourself and true and holy perfection.
The Renovation Project 