Perfection and Imperfection
Devotional written by Freddie Brinson
We see and hear individuals constantly talking about reaching perfection. Each encounter I have with this topic brings me straight to the Bible and the truths that it teaches.
First and foremost, Jesus Christ is the only man to walk on this earth who achieved perfection. From an immaculate birth to our Savior who died on the cross, Jesus was a sinless, teacher, healer, friend, companion, and perfect son of the God Almighty.
The Apostle Paul, on the other hand, was a prime example of imperfection. Paul, known as Saul at that time in Acts 9: 1&2, went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found anyone man or women following the way of Jesus the he would arrest them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Little did Saul know that on the Damascus road he would be confronted by Jesus himself. Acts 9: 5-6
From this experience Paul was blinded for three days and did not eat or drink Acts 9:9. But Jesus had a plan that would change the world forever. In Acts 9: 15-16 This manis my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.
Paul, like all of us, was an imperfect, sinful man, but look at what God did with this imperfect servant. With Paul's imperfections but obedience to God, Paul wrote 13 of the 26 books of the New Testament. Through God Paul was coauthors of a perfect book of the inspired words of God.
God know we are imperfect human beings with a sinful nature. In Romans 7: 14 Paul explains " We know the law is spiritual, but I am spiritual, sold as a slave to sin. Paul struggled with sin as we all do, but in Romans 8: 15 Paul confirms our linage.
Romans 8: 15-17" For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by Him we cry Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are Gods children!!!! Now if we are children then we are heirs-Heirs of God and co heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory.
God forgives us of our sins and for that reason alone we should forgive ourselves. We should try to let the light of Jesus Christ shine through us so people can get the opportunity to see Jesus every day. Science tells us,that every single human being has a different DNA all our own. In my own definitions of DNA, it stands for Divinely Nurtured Ancestor.
You are a child of God. Let God use you and the special gifts he has given you to know, experience, and see the love that Jesus Christ has for us even with all our imperfections.
Not one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ was a choir boy. How can you be?
Outdoor Tip of the week: With all the new fangled gadgets and lures out today don't forget that your Granddad and Dad caught more fish with less stuff. Keep it simple!
Freddie Brinson
