Seeking Perfection

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (David Zier):

There was a time in my life where I was plagued by disappointment. If I got an A, but did not score 100, I was disappointed. If I messed up one note in my clarinet solo during the concert, I was heart broken. If I won the match at tennis even though I lost a set, I felt like a loser. No one ever got on my case or made me feel this way — I was my own worst enemy.

As far as God was concerned, I felt the same way. No matter how good I tried to be, or what I would do in the name of Christ, it always seemed I was never doing anything good enough or important enough to really matter. I never thought I was going to end up in hell, but I sure did a great job of putting myself there on my own.

I was reluctant to ever try to do anything for God for fear that it would never be good enough.

In today’s passage, Paul tells us that we don’t have to be perfect. He tells us that God’s grace is sufficient for us to overcome our feelings of insufficiency. In fact, Paul suggests that God’s power shines more brightly when we are weak. We are to be content with who we are and allow the power of Christ to dwell within us.

Over the years I have pondered why I put myself through so much turmoil. I realize that all God asks of me is to do my best. The rest is up to God.

Thought for the day: Instead of thinking about your imperfections and shortcomings, think about how God’s power can work through your weakness.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.