January 19, 2023
Daily Devotion:
“Perfectionism"
Romans 15:7
Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.
When Paul wrote the letter to the church in Ephesus, he was very concerned that Christian believers understand their “exalted" new position through grace “blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (1:3 NKJV) -and then how that grace is to be lived out among our spiritual friends and family members. Beginning in chapter 4, he challenges these young people of faith to “live a life worthy” of God's grace and calling (4:1NKJV) by the way they treat each other. In verses 2 and 3 he spells this out: We love each other through humility, gentleness, patience, bearing one another in love, and by committing ourselves to unity.
What a contrast to the critical and cynical age in which we live, where tearing others down is considered a fun sport. What a contrast to the messages that many of us have receive and accepted since early childhood that only the very best from ourselves and others is satisfactory. What a contrast to a slate of self-help titles at the bookstore that preach the necessity of perfect bodies, perfect relationships, and perfect kids. We too easily run after perfection and forget to love!
Humility keeps us from the sin of arrogance and from looking down on others-both major relationship killers. Gentleness means we speak and act in ways that don't hurt others but that build others up. Patience demonstrates that we truly believe God can and is working in another person's life-even if we want more progress right now! Bearing one another means that we love someone even when he or she is difficult. Keeping unity means we are wise enough to know how much we really do need each other.
Perfectionism can reflect a magnificent desire to think, speak, and act in the highest forms possible. Wonderful! As Long as we continue to honor others, ourselves, and God Through the qualities of humility, gentleness, patience, and unity!
