Embrace Perfection, Don't Settle for Mediocrity

When we first encounter the saving grace of God, it's natural to recognize our imperfections. We feel and experience the love of God, realizing that God is the one we have been speaking to in our quiet moments, and a multitude of emotions well up within us. However, what often follows is a subtle descent into complacency. We begin to accept our imperfections as an unchangeable reality, a mere part of being human, rather than boldly rejecting this notion. This is a trap that keeps us from reaching the fullness of God's glory.

Embracing God's Perfect Design

"God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

Striving for Perfection

Instead of settling for mediocrity and using our imperfections as crutches, we should be inspired to strive for perfection. Yes, perfection—not in the worldly sense of flawlessness, but in the spiritual sense of becoming all that God intended us to be. We serve an incredible God who refuses to settle for anything less than the extraordinary. Our faith should reflect this relentless pursuit of perfection. As Jesus said in his sermon on the Mount, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

A God Who Calls Us Higher

Consider Jesus. He gave us the greatest commandments, which are foundations of perfection. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). In these commandments, Jesus encapsulated the essence of perfection. Furthermore, His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides a roadmap for righteous living. He instructs us not to lie, cheat, covet our neighbor's possessions, and more. By following Jesus' teachings, we not only strive for perfection but also align ourselves with the will of God.

Striving for Perfection in Daily Life

So, what does striving for perfection look like in our daily lives? It means choosing the high road, always. It's not sitting in sin but rising above it. It's turning away from the juicy gossip or the negative or mean thought you want to share. It's resisting anger in situations where you'd typically succumb. It's being the kindest person in the room. It's not betting against yourself before the game even begins. Saying, "I'm imperfect; I am only human" is giving up prematurely. Why are we telling the enemy we are not good enough and rejecting God's perfect image of us that he created? That's ridiculous. Instead, strive for perfection always, knowing that God will do the rest.

As you embark on this path, may you find the strength to choose the high road, turn away from the allure of sin, gossip, control your anger, and consistently exemplify kindness. Don't surrender to the notion of imperfection; instead, strive for excellence. Trust that God's grace will guide you, and His power will work within you to achieve far more than you could ever imagine.

Conclusion

Let's not settle for the dullness of imperfection. Instead, reject the lies that hold you back and choose to be like Jesus, for in Him, we find the ultimate example of spiritual perfection. May you experience perfection and the fullness of God's glory and the limitless power of His grace.

Biblical references are from the New International Version (NIV).