The last couple days we have talked about being critical of ourselves, taking what God said and making it more severe than He intended it and allowing ourselves to ignore the grace He intended us to flourish in. Well I want you to keep your train of thought for another day or two. Then we can move on to something new. I think this warrants more time. If we take what we have learned the last couple days to heart, then our next question has to be: “Well, if that is true, what is perfect suppose to look like in my life and how will I know if I am doing the right thing?” Good question, right? Well, let’s see what He has to say about it.
Let’s take Christ’s words from Luke 6:40 because He was talking to His disciples about this subject. Here’s what he said: “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. The word for perfect is katartizō meaning to strengthen, perfect, complete and make it what it should be. It comes from Katah and is used in Matthew 4:21 and Mark 1:19 for mending nets because a mended net is actually stronger than a new net which has never been torn. So the inference here is that Christ is saying: “If you are going to imitate me, you need to repair and restore the damaged and hurting people around you.” So in this case perfect means helping others who need your help. If you want to see how God rewards this service read Isaiah 58:9 – 11.
As you know Christ said we must be like a child to enter His Kingdom. So, here is what perfections looks like, plain and simple enough for even a child to understand. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” Here Peter (1 Peter 4:10 – 11) is saying that whatever you have, be faithful with it. You don’t need to be someone special or possess something you do not have – just be what He designed you to be. I have spent a good amount of time talking with you about how The Father had a perfect design in mind so Christ could form it into you and the Holy Spirit could accompany you through life, have I not? The reality is that perfection is being what you were created to be – nothing more, nothing less. The secret is to willingly let Divinity shape and mold the foundational characteristics so they are like a mended net – stronger than when they were initially made. Unfortunately that requires some tearing and healing. I know life hurts, but what rises out of the ashes is better than the glowing timbers. Know what I mean?
Love Dad