Expecting Perfection

"I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man." -Alexander Hamilton

How many times have I assigned myself or someone else a task with the expectation that the end result was going to be perfect, or at least close to it? In turn, how many times was I satisfied when the results were in reality, far short of being perfect? Too often I get caught up with the results rather than the process; and in the process, I forget that everyone has his or her own shortcomings. Therefore, is it reasonable for me to expect perfection from anyone? The answer is yes.

As Christ was perfect, so did He call me to be perfect in everything I do when he commanded, “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) What then am I to do? For I know that I am in fact far from being perfect, and as long as I am living my sinful nature is with me. Paul addressed this same problem when he said, “Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” (Galatians 3:3) So if I am not to be perfect by myself, then how am I to ever obtain this perfection I’m called to reach? As with everything, the answer is through the power and grace of Christ. “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) I’m not sure if I can ever truly be perfect in this life, but I know for a fact that I am called to be, and so long as Christ is in me, I shall be striving towards that perfection with all of my heart. Therefore, I do not expect to see a perfect work from myself or anyone else in this life, but I do expect to see a perfect work through Christ living in me.

Dear Lord, I just want to thank you for your mercy and your grace. You not only called me to be perfect, but you gave me a way to reach perfection through the death and resurrection of your Son, Christ Jesus. I just want to pray this day Lord, that you would be with me and help me to strive towards that perfect life you call me to lead. I know that I may fall short, I know that I may make mistakes, but Lord, I also know that you are there to pick me up and to make up for the difference with your redeeming grace. I thank you so much for that which I could not do without, and I pray all of this in your name, Amen.