Freedom From Perfection

Do you ever wonder why we strive for this idea of "perfection?" Do you ever stop for a second and think, "What is wrong with me?" Sometimes I don't get people. I question why they dedicate their whole lives trying to be successful, or rich, or powerful, or to live up to some expectation. From the sidelines, I sit and mock at their naive minds, yet I'm here doing exactly what they're doing. My flesh desires to be, essentially, perfect. How much scripture can I remember? How nice can I be? How much 'servant-hood' can I put under my belt? Then I read Truth, and I get a nice, little slap-in-the-face: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:3-11.

My prideful nature, my fleshly 'success,' my hypocritical ideas of expectation are laid out in shame compared to the humility and beauty of Christ. Daily, I try to attain this idea of "goodness," "greatness," or "righteousness" all in and of myself. Then, I'm reminded that none of it can be attained without Christ, without His perfect love, without His gentleness nor His sovereignty. My "idea" of perfection is worthless compared to the wisdom and righteousness of the Lord.

After the destruction, comes the freedom. Once I realize the foolishness behind that idea of 'the perfect' image, or career, or schooling, or relationship, or whatever else we can try to make perfect, I see the freedom of the Cross. I understand the freedom that I don't have to achieve this idea of perfection and success in this world. I have already gained the love and adoration of my Creator. Man oh man, does that not sound so good in light of money, or fame, or success? I have a relationship with my Father; a relationship that cannot be removed with any amount of failure or mistake. My level of worth is not dependent on this world, or my good (or bad) deeds, my imperfections, and even my sin, but is rather dependent on the grace of my God, which is unfailing and unending.

When my flesh may fail, my Spirit rejoices in the utter freedom that I am not held accountable for this level of "perfection" the world may be trying to achieve. Heck, all I have to do is surrender to the LORD, and everything will follow.