You’re Not Perfect (and That’s Okay)

It’s hard not to want to be perfect. The perfect family, perfect wife, mother, sister, daughter – the Instagram perfect we see when we scroll through our feed. It can lure you into a false reality of what life should look like and ultimately breed disappointment in who you are and what you have right here and now. Think about it – are you energized after scrolling through social media or depressed?

But is perfection something we should aim for as Christian believers? Here’s the apostle Paul’s perspective concerning life and the concept of being perfect:

“I want to know Christ… I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Philippians 3:10-12 NLT

Another version reads, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Paul knew he wasn’t perfect. But he also realized there was more to his life. Can you imagine him leaning into the “more” that God had for him? Despite the stonings, the beatings, and the many times he was imprisoned, Paul continued to press past every obstacle and disappointment with one goal: to lay hold of the reason Jesus took hold of his life on that fateful day as he traveled to Damascus.

Perhaps a better goal in our life – beyond the false reality of Instagram – would be to move forward through every day and every situation focused on laying hold of the reason Jesus first took hold of us! Pressing into His presence, leaning in to listen and obey, making it our goal to love Him and the people around us…

To become more and more like the Lord, following His example in every aspect of our lives.

To be a mom who loves your amazing but imperfect children like only a mom can love them. The kind of mom who shows love and kindness as you carpool your kids, cheer them on the soccer field or tuck them into bed.

To be a wife in the right relationship with your husband, coming alongside him as his helpmeet, sharing (and carrying) the joys and trials of life together. The kind of wife who shows mercy and grace when he is less than perfect.

And – to be you. To be okay with yourself when you don’t “perform” well or miss the mark as a wife or mom. To give yourself grace, remember that each of us is a work in progress, a piece of art God is carefully sculpting and shaping. And in that place of grace, to live with an inner confidence that He who began a good work in you will complete it.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT

There will come a day when we will be like Him – perfect and wonderful with none of our quirky imperfections and bad attitudes. But for today, make it your goal to live with an attitude of pressing into the presence of the One who holds you in His hand. You are a work in progress.

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 NLT