A tiny green tomato on the vine is a perfect tomato, although it does not have the color, flavor, or texture of a fully ripened tomato. The tiny green fruit is perfect, but it is not yet useful for its intended purpose. If it remains on the vine, the perfect green tomato will grow into its full potential. And throughout each stage of its growth, it will continue to be perfect.
Thus, we conclude that perfection is about potential. Perfection has little to do with current behavior or ability, but a lot to do with our mindset. Perfection is a state of being which maintains continuous momentum toward progress.
We are perfectionistic by nature and refuse to give ourselves permission to fail. Therefore, we say, “I’m not perfect,” to soften the impact when crashing into our own imperfections.
We also use the phrase, “I’m not perfect,” to preface a judgmental statement like, “I know I’m not perfect, but I would never do what he did.”
We long for perfection. This is a normal desire, since we believe that it will be our reality someday. But what do we do in the time between now and then?
“Therefore, be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
Why Jesus would make such an outrageous statement? How could we ever hope to be perfect?
Yet, based on this verse, if we claim that we are not perfect, we are speaking in direct opposition to these words of Jesus. We certainly don’t want to do that!
Since we believe that the words of Jesus are our truth, His invitation to be perfect sparks our curiosity and draws us into its multi-dimensional mystery. If He said it, it must be something reasonable and attainable. At least it is, somewhere in time.
When God said, “Let there be light,” He was speaking into the darkness. Therefore, when Jesus invites us to be perfect, He is speaking into our imperfections, calling for a manifestation of our original design.
One evening without notice, a moment of grace fell on our Friday night group. One member shared a passage from the book of James. It altered our perspective about these irritating, uninspiring days when we are simply putting one foot in front of the other.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
What do these tests look like?
When our feelings betray us and tell us we don’t love God like we should.
When our behavior slips into an old pattern and makes us believe we have not changed.
When the excitement and enthusiasm we once had for God seems dull and muted.
When we just don’t care about trying so hard, because it’s too much work.
Previously, these difficult times had been dark and made us doubt our relationship with God. We were frustrated to find Him so distant when we needed Him the most.
However, when we begin to view these events as a process which increases our patience and equips us for the next level, we start to see their value. We no longer need to feel frustrated when God goes silent. A good teacher is always silent during a test.
Tetelestai Recovery 3: Leveling Up / Chapter 4: Be Patient With Yourself https://a.co/d/0TrI59R
