By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 (NIV)
I’m not sure where the idea originated that perfectionism was the true sign of following Christ, but that idea completely misrepresents the Gospel and everything Jesus did through the cross. YES, we should strive to live a life being obedient to God and following His ways… But the very reason we need Jesus is because, on our own, we are fallible… It’s by grace we are saved, and it’s by grace that we live in His presence daily. Grace is not a prize for reaching a standard of perfectionism; grace is the spring board from which we live our human life empowered by a supernatural God. Obedience comes through relationship and trust… The more we grow and walk with Jesus, the more we can follow Him and understand His ways, the more He empowers and strengthens us in our weaknesses.
The way people should be able to identify us as Christians is not by our perfect ‘white picket fence’ lives, but by our raw and unshakable love for each other and humanity. It’s a love that covers a multitude of sins. It’s a love that embraces and encourages, that inspires and comforts. Love is not limited by our actions when it comes to the love of God. Instead of striving for perfection, work at smothering your life with kindness, compassion, hope, courage, strength, joy, peace – the kind that only comes from Jesus – the kind of love that people will only experience at the hand of God and sometimes, His hand at work in our lives towards others.
Being a disciple isn’t about academics, or perfection, or becoming a Christian clone – it’s about understanding and growing in the love of God.
It’s from the heart that the issues of life flow (Proverbs 4:23), so stop trying to fix everything – you and everyone – by behaviour modification… Allow the love of God to completely transform you from the inside out, and then pass it on to others… that’s the true mark of Christ follower… Bless you guys.
