An Invitation to a Different Kind of Perfect

Author: Angela Craig

Where do I start?

There is a word I associated with the idea of beauty and purpose for years. That word was PERFECT.

It is understandable. Look around you. The perfect magazine covers. The perfect families on Facebook. The perfect bloggers. The perfect speakers. The perfect homemaker. The perfect __________.

There is an illusion of expectation that we are to be perfect in how we look and what we do.

But for me, that seems impossible. Just this week, I stuck my foot in my mouth, I let people down, I forgot all the paperwork we needed for our passport appointment, my Christmas decorations are still up, I went to the gym with out make-up, I dropped my son off late to school…

I could keep going, but I won’t bore you with the details.

What happens when you are not perfect?

Shame.

The feeling you are not good enough.

This year, I would like to invite you into a different kind of perfect.

Jesus said: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

Jesus does not invite us into a relationship of judicial restraints or laws. Jesus is invited us to be wholehearted people who seek to be like him.

When we live wholehearted…

• We believe in the necessity of community with God (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) and others.
• We do not compare, quit, or judge.
• We have compassion for others and for ourselves.
• We have the courage to admit and learn from our failures.
• We see others through God’s perspective instead of our own.
• We cultivate a life of gratitude and joy, leaving behind feeling of fear or lack.
• We find our needs are met by God’s grace and approval, not that of others.
• We extend forgiveness because we have been forgiven.
• Our future is found through trust and listening as God directs our steps.
• We cultivate a life of prayer that cancels out any thread of anxiety.
• We cherish life and the people in it, no matter our differences.
• Life becomes simple because we stop performing and focus on loving.
• Last but not least, Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

Wholehearted living is most easily found in community! There are people out there who want you in their community. Have faith, and ask God for his help in leading you to them.