Is Perfection A Hopeless Cause?

Oh, Lord, why can’t I live a single day in a way that’s perfectly right? Why must I daily, say something I shouldn’t say, do something I shouldn’t do, or neglect to do something I should? If only I could live a day in which I’m selfless enough, patient enough, kind and disciplined and loving enough, wouldn’t that be awesome? But is perfection a hopeless cause? Some days it’s lunchtime before I make a critical mistake (sin) that I regret, but most days, I can’t make it that long. If only I didn’t have to live on planet Earth with actual people—I think I might be almost perfect!

Perfection on a Deserted Island?

I’m kidding, of course. Even if I lived on a deserted island with only the crabs as companions, I would still sin. It’s a part of my DNA—a stone-like burden mankind has carried since the fall (that darn Adam . . . we all know he would have eaten the apple even if Eve hadn’t enticed him). How could I possibly sin if I were on a deserted island all alone, you say? That’s easy. Sin begins in the mind, where even our thoughts can be sinful.

“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one.’” Romans 3:10 (CSB)

The Answer for Fallen Mankind: Jesus

So, is there any hope for you and me? The answer is: Absolutely! Jesus came over 2000 years ago for the sole purpose of ridding us of our burden of sin. He came to earth in the form of a human and taught people about His Father, God. While here on the earth, Jesus did many miracles attesting to His deity. As He died an excruciating death on a Roman cross He took our sins upon Himself. Because of His sacrifice, we are declared, not guilty, and can experience eternal life in heaven with God. It was the greatest gift ever given. The best part is that 3 days later, God raised Jesus from the dead and He now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us until the time comes for Him to gather His people to Himself.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Human Beings are not Perfect and are Prone to Sin

When Jesus comes into our life, we are cleansed from all our sin—past, present and future. We no longer receive the punishment we deserve which is death, torment and separation from God. Sinners stand justified, not guilty before God, and can then experience abundant life, peace, and an eternity in the presence of God, Himself. Doesn’t that sound amazing? It’s true!

So, is perfection a hopeless cause? When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior many years ago, I was freed from sin’s grip and saved from the punishment I deserved. But that didn’t mean I would never sin again. We are human beings after all. In fact, there was a time in my life where I wandered away from God and decided to live life on my own terms. It didn’t go well. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit drew me back, I repented of my sin and came back into the fold.

Daily Help for Sin and Imperfection

We’re not perfect and never will be. The only perfect person who ever lived was Jesus Christ, who was of course—God. Every day we face challenges that prevent us from living a perfect life. Sin is a fact of life for all of us. Perfection truly is a hopeless cause. But there is hope in Jesus Christ.

• We have the power of the Holy Spirit when things get tough.  He gives us strength to live in obedience to God’s Word.
• We live within a strategically placed family of believers for encouragement and support—believers who will pray for us when we are struggling.
• We have the Word of God for direction and help. We can look to the people in the Bible who struggled with sin just as we do.
• We are forgiven due to the grace of God, which, in turn, allows us to forgive others.

These important resources (the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the fellowship of believers) can help us deal with our sin until we are finally and fully perfected—when Jesus returns in glory.

What Happens When My Imperfect Self is Tempted to Sin?

“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

When we sin, God welcomes us to the throne of grace, where forgiveness is freely given. He loves us unconditionally with an everlasting love and always wants the best for us—His best. God knows we’re not perfect but expects us to want to please Him and to be obedient to His Word. We are not alone in our struggle with sin.

 “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Those Brownies are Calling my Name

Right now, as I sit here at my computer, it’s early in the day. I’m thinking: Hey, I’ve done pretty good so far. . . I haven’t gotten angry at my husband, yelled at the dog, or blown my diet by eating a whole pan of brownies! Could this be the day I do everything perfectly? I think not.  Unfortunately, I detect a note of pride in that statement about how good I’ve been! I guess perfection truly is a hopeless cause. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”                                              1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)