Living A Little South Of Perfection

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfect… —Philippians 3:12

"God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself. The emphasis of holiness movements tends to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you accept this concept of personal holiness, your life’s determined purpose will not be for God, but for what you call the evidence of God in your life. How can we say, “It could never be God’s will for me to be sick”? If it was God’s will to bruise His own Son (Isaiah 53:10), why shouldn’t He bruise you? Christian perfection is not, and never can be, human perfection. Christian perfection is the perfection of a relationship with God that shows itself to be true even amid the seemingly unimportant aspects of human life. 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.” - My Utmost For His Highest

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” - 2 Corinthians 4:8-11

Does that sound like living the Christian life is trouble free?  How about this?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4

Both of these scripture references address the issue of spiritual perspective.  Seeing life through the lenses of spiritual understanding.  Paul said that he prayed that the eyes of our hearts would be opened. (Ephesians 1:18) The “natural” thing to do is to expect that our new life in Christ, which is supernatural, will result in a better natural life … maybe free of sickness, heartache and want.  If that is what you expected, how is that working for you? 

When Jesus healed, there was a spiritual purpose … like the blind man … the disciples asked who sinned ... the answer was no one, but the man was blind so God might be glorified.  He was blind so that Jesus could make a spiritual point in his healing, fulfilling prophecy.  What!  You mean to tell me that the man had lived for, let’s say, 30 years blind and deprived of a “normal” life just for Jesus’ healing? He lived, day after day, wanting to see … would God do that to someone? Remember, He sent His Son to die on the cross.  There is a greater, eternal story going on here.  We look at everything from the “natural”, even God.  If you don’t gain spiritual understanding, then you will live a conflicted life.  The chief end of man is to glorify God.  You do that by doing His will and offering yourself as a living sacrifice.  What do you think being a sacrifice means?  Having a new car and a 70” TV on your wall? Probably not!  More likely it means trusting God in the midst of the storms of life.  Seeing life from God’s perspective and responding to life with that perspective.  Living a life of faith in Jesus, who has overcome the world. (John 16:33). Trusting God, no matter what may come your way.

We all are living lies a little South of perfection. Some of us are farther away than others.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone