In The Eyes Of?
Lacking nothing essential to the whole, complete of it’s nature or kind, this exemplifies the definition of perfect, but it isn’t how we view ourselves. I’ve never met another human being who could claim, justify and defend their own perfection. Now because each of us is an original, with no identical copies, no one else can realistically be compared to us, in that respect, we are truly unique. Still, is it fair to say, anyone of us lacks nothing essential to the whole? Each and every day, our own imperfections grind, squeak and tremble, causing us to stumble routinely over our well intentioned efforts. We are incomplete … except in Christ (read Col 1:28).
The admission to God, of our faults, weaknesses and character flaws is no revelation to Him, but it’s a powerful beginning in the development of our own growth and maturity. God created us in His image, but not with His original perfection. So when he sees our pride humbled, He presumably knows that we are moving in the right direction. When we lean on Him to correct our imbalances, He adds His strength and stability to ours. When we seek His counsel before embarking on another challenging journey, we are admitting to our inadequacies and testifying to His supremacy. This should not be considered as a weakness but as employing the resource of His wisdom, showered on those who believe in and trust Him, to grow lives as it was meant to be. It’s these very same imperfections which endear us to God. There are few things in life as repugnant and annoying as arrogance and egocentricity. Jesus managed a sinless life without ever even hinting at these objectionable traits. He did this by living His life for God the Father and attributing everything good about himself and all of life to the heavenly Father. Instead of getting caught up in what we might be good or great at, we should attribute those results and gifts to God, while working with Him on all the other things which could benefit from some of His insight.
We can, perhaps, look forward to perfection one day, the perfection that can only be attained through life and the eyes of Jesus Christ. In the meantime, I’ve learned to qualify so much in my little life, as being perfect for me. I appreciate the unique and wondrous imperfections which surround us, simply because they are, in my eyes, opportunities, which are perfect for me.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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