Perfection Not Required!

John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the U.S. He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, minister to major European powers, and participated in various capacities in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and events leading to the Civil War.

Yet, at age 70, with much of that behind him, he wrote, “My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook.” (Unfinished Business, Charles Sell, Multnomah, 1989, p. 233).

Many strive for perfection, but none ever accomplish it. Why? The reality is that nobody is perfect. Nobody! What comes to mind when you think of a perfectionist? I think of someone who is so consumed, maybe even possessed, with perfection that nothing they do, or anyone else does, meets their standards. It's pretty clear that their perspective of life is contorted.

But, then there's God. He is the ultimate perfectionist! His law is perfect, and his standards are perfectly righteous. So, where does that leave us, with all of our obvious imperfections? We are utterly flawed and blemished. Who else but God would want anything to do with us?

He knows all about us. He knows that we are as far from being perfect as" the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). Even so, he has given us his absolute forgiveness. You see, God knows that no matter what we do, or say will ever make us perfect. That's why if we try to be the "perfect" Christian, we only end up being frustrated. Some even end up turning away from Him.

Here's the deal: God doesn't require perfection in you. He's not expecting us to qualify for anything, either. God is well aware that there's no way we'd be able to. Think about it. If He ever thought that we could, He never would have come here to die for us. But, he did! (1 John 4:9-10)

His perfect forgiveness for everything we've ever done, and will ever do, enables us to experience the joy and freedom of having a relationship with Him. Are you willing to miss out on this because of some silly notion that you have to be perfect in order to be worthy?

Scripture: Romans 3:23; Matthew 11:28; Luke 10:40-41; Matthew 5:48; Philippians 1:6

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for accepting me the way I am. Although far from being perfect myself, Your perfect love and forgiveness inspires me to be the best that I can possibly be. Amen

May God bless you!

Lori