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I’ve spent years…and energy trying to be perfect. And burned myself out in the end.

All the while I cited Jesus’ words, “Be ye perfect, even as my Father in heaven is perfect.” Sure, I knew that I shouldn’t live this Christian life in my own strength – and had you asked me then, I would have told you that it was only by grace.

But I didn’t understand grace then.

I didn’t understand what Jesus meant by perfect.

The Good News For Every Imperfect Christian

Deep inside I battled with what I understood perfect to be and my own human tendency to blow it….every single day.

I was afraid to let go of perfection because I was so afraid that by letting go of it, I’d snap right over to the other extreme of permissive, carnal living.

I’d read lists, like in Psalm 15, and while outwardly I’d shout “Amen!” inwardly I would cringe because I’d only see more areas where I fell short:

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart
He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the LORD;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

What I’d see is this:

Who can enjoy the presence of God?

Strike
Strike
Strike
Strike
Strike

I’m doomed!

That is until I learned that without Jesus Christ – without His blood – I’ll never be perfect.

But God takes my humanness, my brokenness, and all my flaws and in his perfect hands He brings me to completion.

Even when I mess up.

And because of His grace I’m not doomed. I can enjoy His presence. I just keep my heart open to His voice pointing out areas that need to change – but always in love!