The Goal Isn’t Perfection

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus - Philippians 3:11-14

Working on our weaknesses doesn’t mean that we will become perfect. It just means that we are growing and refuse to fall into the traps that have ensnared us in the past.  

Author Edwin Bliss once said, "The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time." I also once heard that craftsmen of early Persian rugs would purposely weave a flaw into their intricate patterns because they believed perfection only belonged to God.

We can never be perfect and should not waste our time trying to be. However, when we fail to work on our weaknesses, we fail to grow. As the focal verse highlights, our goal is to press forward in order to be recipients of God’s blessings.

These blessings are not only for our benefit, but it is for the benefit of those we influence. If you can master your weakness, that provides a testimony to encourage others to do the same. It also helps you to recognize your God-given power to shift the narrative and rise above those things which are hindrances in your life.  

Your life reflects God. Your obedience displays worship to God. As we have highlighted over the last couple of days, identify your weakness, work on your weakness, and release yourself from the burden of being perfect so that you can grow in your spiritual walk.