![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Daytona-Beach-021m.jpg\" "\\"Daytona")
<\/a><\/p>\nImperfection. What about this word? I must admit there is imperfection in our world. Computers that aren\u2019t compatible with upgraded programs. Potholes that cause flat tires. The absence of fireflies in Colorado.<\/p>\n
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Perfection and imperfection. We can look at these words through Scripture and find God\u2019s view on them. So let\u2019s do that. Let\u2019s see what He has to say about perfection and imperfection.<\/p>\n
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Imperfection<\/strong><\/p>\n We know from the Old Testament that the Hebrew nation was to provide sacrifices without blemish. They weren\u2019t to have imperfections. (Leviticus 22:21; Numbers 19:2)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are imperfect. If you read through all of the lists of sins we are to get rid of, you and I both know that we haven\u2019t achieved that task yet. You\u2019ve seen the lists. Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 4:22-31; Ephesians 5:3-4; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; and 1 Peter 2:1. Unfortunately, some of those sins are still in my life. I am imperfect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perfection<\/strong><\/p>\n Paul\u2019s final words to in 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) were, \u201cFinally, brothers, good-bye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.\u201d<\/em> Aim<\/em> for perfection. Now that I think I can do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, we are to rid ourselves of the sins listed above, but we also have lists to show us how we are to live. Galatians 5:22-23; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:23-24; 32-5:2; Philippians 2:14-16; Philippians 4:4-8; Colossians 3:12-17; Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 John 1:7; Jude 1:20-23.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAim for perfection.\u201d<\/em> Other versions of the Bible have translated this phrase a little differently. Maybe we can gain some insight from them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cKeep things in good repair.\u201d<\/em> (The Message)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c\u2026be made complete\u2026\u201d<\/em> (New American Standard)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTry to be complete.\u201d<\/em> (New Century Version)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAim for restoration.\u201d<\/em> (English Standard Version)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I love the ESV translation. \u201cAim for restoration.\u201d<\/em> It seems to help me understand that it is a work in progress. That it is a time-consuming project. Maybe even that it is a never-ending task. I must continue to work at living the way God wants me to live, because I know that it is only through Him that I am perfect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I believe that as we remove a sin from our life, we must replace that void with something. Something good. Remove something from the imperfection list and replace it with something from the perfection list.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I also believe that I cannot do this without God and His Holy Spirit working in my life. My sinful nature is too strong for me to battle on my own. And God has given me the perfect tools to go into battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us of the armor we are to take up and use. God\u2019s armor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let\u2019s strive today to live as godly men and women. Let\u2019s utilize the tools (God\u2019s armor and His Holy Spirit) as we head into battle. Let\u2019s aim for perfection. Aim for restoration. Let others see Jesus through you that \u201c\u2026they may see your good deeds and glorify God\u2026\u201d<\/em> (1 Peter 2:12 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n <\/p>\n