The Impossible Struggle For Perfection

Thanks to Adam and Eve every human being is a sinner. Only God is perfect and life is a constant struggle to be acceptable to God in His sight. Thankfully God provided Jesus Christ to be the Way to righteousness.

Iowa is in the middle of a couple of weeks of very hot, dry weather.We don't know how long this dry spell will last but already the flowers and gardens are showing signs of stress. In this new construction area of Ankeny, there are many lawns of sod that are still trying to get established. Drought isn't a good thing. John stepped outside last night after dark and asked me what sound he heard in our neighborhood. "Sprinklers," I said. You can hardly walk down a sidewalk without getting wet. You can see every make and type of sprinkler on our street and the lucky ones have built in irrigation.

I have one tomato plant on our deck in a pot and I water it twice a day. Still it is beginning to die and the tomatoes aren't ripe yet. I've tried everything to keep it healthy. Bug dust, a spray that is supposed to prevent blossom end rot, fertilizer, and water, water, water. Where is the perfection I desire?

John fights a different battle with the show lambs. They are treated almost better than humans, complete with jackets and coats and even leggings to protect them from dirt, flies, and spreading skin diseases. They always have clean water and their nutrition is carefully measured by the ounce for optimum growth. They are exercised on treadmills and walkers so their muscles are strong and visible. Still, after months of special care, something can pop up just before the show that makes the lamb unshowable. There is no perfection here either. It is nearly a miracle if a show lamb is at its absolute best when show day arrives.

We strive and work and plan and try, yet our attempts at perfection usually fall short. Only God is the Perfect One. It is only with Jesus Christ that our relationship with God can be repaired. We must have faith in God and the Deliverer He sent to save us. We all are sinners and the only saving grace is Jesus Christ, God's only son, who provides atonement for our sins, through his blood that was shed on the cross. Jesus Christ is the Perfect One.

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," (Matthew 5:48 NIV).

Thank you, Lord, for sending your Only Perfect Son to make a way for us to have a relationship with You. Help us remember that perfection is out of our reach without You. Amen.