A Believer’s Struggle to be Perfect
Sometimes I struggle with posting about things that I’m struggling with. In those moments, instead of focusing on sharing how God has touched me and brought me out of a situation (which gives Him the glory and points others to Him), I’m focusing on the widely held perception that many people still hold today – that once you become born again you should somehow be perfect all of a sudden.
- That’s a very UNREALISTIC expectation that causes us to value performance and strive for perfection … a value that actually leads us away from God rather than towards Him. The moment we view ourselves as perfect (on our own/without God) we stop seeing the need to seek Him.
- It’s also a very DANGEROUS expectation because it encourages believers to live double lives – pretending that they’re perfect. Only showing the good sides to the public while keeping the bad under wraps. Not to say that you should put your flaws on display, but you shouldn’t hide the fact that we as believers will always be imperfect, a constant work in progress only made perfect at the cross.
When the lives of imperfect people are drastically changed after an encounter with God, and they’re bold & courageous enough to share their story with others, God gets the glory and it gives unbelievers hope that He can do the same in their lives… no matter how broken they think they are. See the thing is, He meets us where we are… right in the midst of our brokenness… if only we have the courage to call out to Him.
Progress, not perfection
No one is perfect and no one will ever be. Our goal as Christians is to mature and make sure we’re always moving forward rather than remaining stagnant. Because when we’re stagnant, we’re actually moving backwards. Growth should be the constant in your walk with Christ – that’s what we should always strive for.
So when it comes to feeling the need to be “perfect” in the eyes of others, all you need to do is allow people to see how God is moving in your life. How the Holy Spirit is growing and changing you becomes your testimony. And for your testimony to benefit others, it requires transparency and vulnerability.
It’s in your imperfections that you’re able to reach others who relate to your struggle. It’s through your overcoming of those struggles that the One who delivered you and brought you out of that situation gets all the glory. And it’s through seeing your deliverance that others gain hope. It’s in your weakest moments that God gave you strength.
Whatever your story is, there’s power in your testimony.
When you need Him but don’t know what to say… just say “JESUS”. There’s such power in His name.
