Perfection, Favoritism, and Always Falling Short

I'm a bit of a perfectionist. And when I say a bit, I mean a lot. I seek to be perfect in everything I do, whether it be in something small, like my handwriting, or something big, like my walk with God. I am very quick to always find the "wrongs" and the "mess-ups" in my work, rather than the "rights." I always see improvement needed to make my life more efficient, neat, and "perfect."

Unfortunately, because we are humans, perfection is not possible. But what else could Christianity be? Christians are imperfect people striving towards perfection. However, when we don't reach perfection (because we won't), that doesn't mean we need to beat ourselves down about it.

God doesn't expect us to be perfect. We all fall short of His infinite glory. We don't need to compare ourselves to others in who is more "perfect" than another. We all struggle with different aspects of life. Just because someone's life looks perfect from the outside or on social media, that doesn't portray their whole life. That doesn't portray their sin, or their struggles and trials. God isn't going to pick and choose favorites between all the sinful beings in the world. Romans 2:11 says, "For God shows no partiality." In other versions, it may say, "For God does not show favoritism."

We don't need to fight to get God's attention with our good works and perfection. We have his attention already. He will forgive our mistakes and sins, both big and small. He will cleanse us from our unrighteousness. All we have to do is come to Him.

I'm going to keep seeking perfection in all I do. However, sometimes we need to give ourselves some grace too. God forgives our mistakes. During this Easter season, we can remember Jesus died on the cross for our sake. As Christians, let's be a body of imperfect, yet genuine, people, striving for perfection in God's eyes.

His Grace Upon Grace Upon Grace

There is one thing we all have in common: sin. Whether you are a Christian or not, none of us are perfect. We all mess up and make mistakes. I believe that sin, although it isn't good in itself, can unite Christians together in prayer and in day-to-day life.

As Christians, we may not be very similar. We have different personalities, interests, and hobbies. But we all have a need for Christ. However, we need Him because we sin. If we were perfect, we wouldn't need a Savior.

Even as someone who strives to be my best for myself and my best for Christ, as Romans 3:23 says, I will always fall short. As much as I try not to, sometimes I mess up. We all fall into sin at points and times. And it's easy to get caught in the guilt of it all. But have you ever read Romans 3:24? "And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..."  Yes we all sin, but we still receive grace, grace, and more grace.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines grace as, "unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification." It's unmerited. We're undeserving of God's grace. But guess what? He gives it away anyways. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

We are saved by grace. That means we don't need to have guilt for the sins we commit. In Hebrews 8:12, it says, "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Not only does God forgive our sins, but He goes as far to say he "will remember their sins no more."

God forgives us as soon as we ask for it. Our part is to leave our guilt behind. God doesn't intend for us to carry all of our baggage that He has already forgiven. We'll mess up again. But he will forgive us again. And again. And again.

Living Outside of the Comfort Zone

Once you get to know me, you will find my comfort zone is quite small. Just ask my family or my closest friends--I hate talking on the phone, meeting new people, being put in new situations, and the times leading up to change. By looking at my life from the outside, it may not always appear like this. But from the inside, you will see a constant fight with my comfort zone.

The most valuable lesson I have learned throughout the past two years is to live outside of my comfort zone. It isn't an easy thing to do. But let me tell you--it is so worth it.

Although I talked about living in the regular in my last blog post, my life's "regular" has become a bit different. My life isn't within the confines of my comfort zone anymore. I have learned that if I want to achieve big things, I need to live outside my comforts. Whether this means simply answering a phone call or following God's call to live in a different country this summer, doing difficult things is important and worthwhile.

Everyone has a different comfort zone. Some people could talk to strangers on the phone all day and be happy. Some people (like me) could sit around at home all day in silence and be completely content. The content of your comfort doesn't matter. Being able to stretch your comfort is more important for success in whatever you are doing, and more importantly, in following God's call for your life.

A lot of times people make it look like following God's calling is easy. They make it look glamorous. It almost always looks like they are simply taking huge steps to serve Him. But most often, it isn't that simple. I'll be the first to admit--following God's call is challenging. It's not always glamorous. A lot of times, it can include tears, sorrow, and a whole lot of prayer. However, in the end, you will always find that following His calling is the best choice for your life, even if it is the hardest.

God often calls us to leave our comfort zones. But God equips us for it. We just have to trust Him. I will leave you with Hebrews 13:20-21,

"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."