Perfection

I painted this abstract cat as a project for a college art class assignment back in the Fall of 2006. It was originally titled "Enchanted". However, when the other art instructor came over and looked at it, he pointed out the imperfections. I spontaneously replied, "Nobody's Perfect". Now, it has two names! 

In July of 2012, I was inspired to write about perfection and how we view ourselves versus how God sees us. Here it is:

Perceived Perfection vs True Perfection      

What is it?
Why are we so consumed by it?
Whose standard are we using? 

Perfection - without flaws 
Perception - what or how we see and believe something to be

Flaws  are perceptions 
Flaws are judgments

Against who we are 
Against how we were created

Against our scars
Against our shape

Against our being 

Perceived perfection is the world's idea of beauty - more outward than inward 
Perceived perfection is the world's ideal for wealth and status –again outward not inward

The world seeks that which it cannot obtain 
The world seeks what will not remain  

Perceived Perfection, like beauty,  is in the eye and the mind of the beholder
Perceived Perfection  depends on one's standards of measurement 

The world thrives on the value of perceived perfection measured against one another
    There's always a better way to improve something
    There's always a better way to improve oneself 
    Get the latest
    Get the greatest 

This need for perceived perfection keeps people searching
This need for perceived perfection keeps people unhappy
This need for perceived perfection distorts truth

Truth - not one of us is perfect inward or outward 
Truth - Jesus is the only perfect one

Truth – is absolute 

Yes, we are created in God's image
Yes, mankind began in perfection 

Then sin 
Entered in

Sin came
Sin distorted truth

Perhaps that is why
We continue to try

To reach
To attain

What was lost

But, we cannot

We cannot do it on our own 

There is only one way
We can regain
What was lost

There is only one way 
To cover our shame

Come to the cross
Repent
Receive

Jesus*

The Only One Perfect
The Only One who died for you
The Only One who Lives for you
The Only One who paid the price for you

To transform your life
To enable you
To experience 
True perception

True Perfection

True perfection is not based on the world's standard 
But

True perfection is what the world is truly seeking

True perfection doesn't mean we are without flaws 
True perfection is viewing those flaws differently
True perfection is walking in obedience 

Serving God

Allowing Him 
Allowing the Holy Spirit

To lead us

To guide us

 
Asking Him to help us see one another as He sees

Allowing Him to work with us
Allowing Him to work in us

Allowing Him to work on us

Allowing Him to perfect us

To mold us
To shape us
To remodel us

According to His Perfect Design

And clothe us in His Perfections

As we walk the narrow path
Letting true beauty flow out from within. 

*Dear One, 

If you have just accepted Jesus, please know that the narrow road is not an easy path. You may find yourself stumbling, falling, feeling like you just don't measure up, or that you just can't do it. Sometimes we gain ground only to feel as if we've lost it. I’ve found myself there many times over the years. Even the most mature Believers have walked through these difficult experiences. 

The thing is: Jesus is always there for you. He is ready to forgive, to restore when any one of His precious children come to Him with broken and contrite hearts.  

He is the most exuberant cheerleader you will ever have! He loves you so much and His plans for you are for good to give you an expected end - to live and reign with Him for Eternity.

Surround yourself with other Believers who have walked the path ahead, who love you and from whom you can learn. Spend time those who will pray with and for you, those who will hold you accountable, those who will be honest with you, encourage you, listen to you, cry with you, and laugh with you.  Immerse yourself in God's Word, His Truth, His Love. 

For the Believer who finds himself or herself in the desert, feeling deserted or abandoned, please be assured that you are not! Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. He is there with you. Sometimes the most bleak and barren deserts produce some of the most magnificent beauty. 

We struggle. We wonder. Why. God does allow times of suffering, trials, and tribulations, and He also administers discipline to teach and train us, to grow us, to perfect us. 

He turns everything for good for those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose.  

He gives us 
Beauty for ashes
Joy for sadness
His riches for our rags 

---a few scripture references---
Psalm 51: 17      

Jeremiah 29:11-14     

Isaiah 61:1-3, 7, 10     

Romans 8:28

Hebrews 12