As of late, something that God has been emphasizing in my life is this idea of an expectation to be perfect. Now, this idea of trying to be perfect can be taken to all kinds of extremes regardless of whether it is viewed in a faith-based context. There are many, many people out there that push themselves and push themselves until they break in this effort to reach some perfect goal. Before I go any further, let me make it very clear that I am in no way trying to undermine the importance of motivation and goal-setting in general. I'd be a fool to do so. HOWEVER, true, absolute perfection, is quite frankly God in all of His holiness, which is something far beyond what we can even hope to comprehend.
Something we're currently talking about in the bible study that I am a part of is this idea that we are able to meet some standard of perfection. We've discussed it as "performance-driven Christianity." This is referring to our nature to fall into this mindset that God's approval is something that we can earn. Christian, God has already told us that our relationship with Him is not a matter of us earning His favor. Please be encouraged by that truth as I have from Romans 9:16,
"It does not, therefore depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."
I am urging you brothers and sisters, not to stay in this trap of striving to earn the grace that has been freely given to you. I say this not as someone who doesn't struggle with embracing the concept of being able to have highly undeserved forgiveness and salvation. I cannot wrap my head around the depth of such an incredible love. But I seriously hope that you do not limit yourself in such a way as "performance-driven Christianity." Take a look at this quote from The Gospel-Centered Life study book,
"Performance-driven Christianity is actually a minimizing of God's holiness. Thinking we can impress God with our 'right living' shows that we've reduced his standards far below what they actually are. Rather than being awed by the infinite measure of his holy perfection, we have convinced ourselves that if we just try hard enough, we can merit God's love and approval."
So there's that. We know that we shouldn't minimize God's holiness, and we cannot reduce His standards, because we did not make them. We cannot earn or deserve God's love and approval. Sometimes I think though, that it is even easier to forget the reality that we are still going to sin. I think that those that are in leadership positions may find it particularly difficult. It's like there's this unwritten rule that if you are a Bible Study/Small Group Leader, a Pastor, or some other form of ministry leading that you have to appear perfect all the time, and that if you mess up, you are a bad Christian. Y'all. The whole point of being a Christian is recognizing the depth of our own brokenness, and the infinity of God's holiness.
"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God you will not despise."
Psalm 51: 16-17
Don't ever let the Gospel become something cliché or unmoving. Preach it to yourself daily, and keep your eyes fixed on Christ.
I love each of you dearly, and hope that I was able to encourage you in some form or fashion.
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