Perfection

When accomplishing a goal, many of us set up in our minds the perfect outcome.  Perfection takes commitment and practice.  And even when we put it all out there and do everything right, sometimes we are less than perfect. 
They key to perfection is two fold.   It takes practice with correct form.  An accomplished runner or swimmer practice endurance, speed, and cardio training to ensure their VO2 Max. ( VO2 max is a measure of the maximum volume of oxygen that an athlete can use. It is measured in millilitres per kilogramme of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min)).  In addition to improving the VO2 max these athletes also work on form, strokes, strides, and perfection.  
The old saying,  "practice makes perfect", is not entirely correct.  A better way to phrase it would be, "perfect practice makes perfect".  
So what is it that happens when one doesn't achieve perfection?  There  are a variety of things that one reviews.  The athlete may look at  form.  They may look at their practice time, the proper fueling and eating plan, etc. And then for the next race, the athlete will adjust in order to achieve perfection. 
Faith in Christ however doesn't seek perfection.  Instead, faith in Christ is about committing oneself to him.  Pastor Joyce's word today is very poignant.  And more so it calls us out as the church.  

Perfection January 7

There is a statement that nearly everyone spews from their mouth without thought of what is being spoken.  There are many such proclamations that when reflected upon do not display the truth of God’s word.  We’ve all heard those who say, “Nobody’s perfect”; especially when they have fallen short of the perfection they seek.

Job in his constant defense tells his critics that he would take his case before God to defend him, not man.  There is a mystery that has been hidden from ages and from generations, but is now made manifest to the saints; Paul says in Colossians 1:26-28; “…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every  man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The paradox of one’s living free of sin and being perfect in this life is not only difficult for us to believe it seems incomprehensible; to many it is ridiculous. The word of God is true and unchangeable.  In Hebrews 10:14-15 it says, “By one offering He had perfected forever them that are sanctified.  Whereof, the Holy Ghost is a witness to us.”

The presumptuous religious institution of our day is not able to receive Christ and His revelation because it is so preoccupied with itself and unwilling to yield allegiance to the One who demands all of our life. They will continue to voice the argument that nobody’s perfect and there is something that must be done to just be good. That is called self-righteousness and it stinks like a filthy rag in the nostrils of God.

When Jesus Christ ascended on high he gave gifts to men; “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come into the unity of faith.” (Ephesians 4:4-6) Those who have received Jesus Christ and honor Him as Lord over all of life are already made perfect by Him who died once and for all.