“The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven’t yet come to the end of themselves. We’re still trying to give orders, and interfering with God’s work within us. ” ―A.W. Tozer

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past (Isaiah 43:18).”

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:11-14).”

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14).”

Lord, I confess there are still times that I fight with you for the reigns of my life. I surrender completely. I no longer want to interfere with the good work you have started in me. Thank you for your endless patience and grace. In Christ, I will look forward with Hope. In Jesus name, Amen!

Are you a perfectionist? Has anyone ever referred to you as having a Type A personality? While being organized and having a leadership personality isn’t sin in and of itself, the enemy can use these otherwise honorable personality traits to wear us down, isolate us and cause us to be ineffective for the things of God.

As I was reading through scripture today I realized, perfectionism has definitely translated into a sin I struggle with. There are people and things I still want to control:

My health starts to waiver and I look to Dr. Google for diagnosis and treatment options.

Our children struggle in school or act out and I start researching ways to improve my parenting techniques.

The Holy Spirit convicted and reminded me that we are commanded to be faithful, not perfect!  Why am I so quick to forget this area of His grace?

Scripture shows us plainly that God has never looked for perfect people. He is simply looking for us to be faithful. Remember King David?

God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, he will do everything I want him to do (Acts 13:22).’

Despite King David’s respectable traits, he wasn’t perfect.  He committed sins involving not only adultery, but murder! It’s important to remind ourselves that we all fall short of perfection in everything we do (Romans 3:23). That’s why God sent His only Son to take our place as payment for sin (John 3:16).

Instead of striving to be perfect, let us measure ourselves against the biblical standard of faithfulness. When we start to do this, we will see that everyone around us is in the same boat (1 Corinthians 10:13). We will be less likely to isolate ourselves and more prone to confess our sins to other believers (James 5:16). This will help hold us accountable to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and encourage community. When we do life with other believers, we are stronger than when we try and do life alone (Proverbs 27:17).

So, as we go about our daily tasks this week, Lord, I pray you remind us to aim for the goal of being faithful when we fall short. Let us remember that only Jesus was perfect and in Christ, God promises to overflow us with His endless grace.

Note: If this post tugged at your heart, I would highly recommend the work of Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. This post is an adaption of a devotional I read in the NIV Life Journey Bible which they both co-authored.