Are You Perfect?

Are you perfect? Well there's a good question to start a post with! Well, are you? Just in case you struggle to answer the question - the answer is NO, your are not perfect. But don't be too distraught because, well...er...neither am I! And neither is everyone else you think you need to be perfect around. Being a follower of Christ does not mean we are perfect or have to be perfect. Most of us really, really know (deep down) that we are not perfect. We'd love to be, but we're just not. And God never requires a state of flawlessness (human perfection) to be in right standing with Him. What He requires is a broken and humble heart. A heart that says "I need Jesus to even function for Him in the least."

The drive for flawlessness is initiated and fueled by guilt. We know we fall short (on our own), so we feel like "doing better" will get us into God's graces. We feel that if we can "master" the struggle, God will approve of us. So we try harder to be perfect. And when we don't achieve perfection we feel guilt. But let me tell you something. You are approved! God's approval of you began to be manifested in the Garden of Eden. The thread of His approval winds perpetually throughout the events of the Old Testament and the New. God's final seal of approval of you was manifested the day Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. When Jesus gave up all on the cross and was raised from the dead 3 days later it was done! Approved! Approved! Approved! It's like that car place commercial that approves every application: "Approved (stamp), Approved (stamp), Approved (stamp)!

Let's see if you're like me. (I'm not a gamlin' or a ramblin' man but I bet you are like me.) Have you ever goofed up? Then you're like me. Have you ever sinned? Then you're like me. Have you ever stumbled? Ditto. Have you ever struggled with something over and over again? Ditto again. So there you have it, we are alike. We are not perfect! This is what I've learned and it's the key to being a VICTOR instead of a victim. (I John 1: 9), "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This scripture establishes two very import principles that affect you and me. Principle #1: God is able to forgive. He has the ability to deal with your sins...forever. When god deals with them, they're history. He has dealt with them. Principle #2: God is faithful. He is always faithful to do what He says He will do when we believe in and do what He says! In other words if He says He will forgive you when you truly confess your sins...He can and will forgive you. You will always have to deal with guilt when sin is allowed in. But the guilt doesn't come from God. And by faith you overcome the guilt by believing God just did what He said He would do...forgive you! When you stumble, ask God to forgive you. Be honest with Him. Admit your struggle. God truly wants you to get back up and resume your walk with Him. Guilt says, "You blew it...forever!" But God says, "Here's my outstretched hand. Get up and walk with me. You can do it!" Every time you confess and forsake your sins, whether or not you feel like it, you walk in victory. You are a victor!