Perhaps you too watched the episode of Antiques Roadshow when an appraiser analyzed a Kintsugi bowl.
This ancient Japanese art form involves mending broken pieces of pottery with gold or silver. The glimmering veins resurrect the ruins to create a beautiful work of art.
Such a transformation offers imagery for what happens when we allow the golden work of Christ to mend our brokenness from failures, sins, and shortcomings. As a result, each of us becomes a masterpiece [1].
But what about Jesus’ instruction, “Be perfect as my Heavenly Father perfect”[2] and all the itemized directives for Christian conduct in the New Testament—all 1,500 of them, give or take?
I can’t possibly measure up to such a standard, so what’s a cracked pot like me supposed to do? Is the pure gold of Christ’s work (on my behalf at his crucifixion, and in my life now) enough to make me acceptable to God, considering my faults and failures?
We’d do well to remind ourselves often: just as family members love one another in spite of shortcomings and wrongdoing, our Heavenly Father does the same.
Note the above verse doesn’t say the Lord has compassion only on those nearing perfection.
Then what did Jesus mean when he instructed us to be perfect?
The Amplified Version offers clarity for that key word:
“You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48 AMP
‘You see? Jesus isn’t requiring angelic perfection; he’s directing us toward full spiritual maturity.
Jesus would also direct us away from unrealistic expectations.
Some think that unless we’re . . .
- spending long hours in Bible study and prayer
- attending every pertinent service and event at church
- serving those around us
- extending hospitality in our homes
- discipling and mentoring others
- sharing with everyone in need . . .
. . . we’re not doing enough for God.
So when is enough enough?
I’m reminded of the time I sat in the pediatrician’s office with one of our children when a young mom from our church, Nicole*, walked in with her infant son. Sagging shoulders and dark eye-circles gave evidence to the truth about parenting a newborn: it’s exhausting.
But this Mama was dealing with even more: another son, age three (whom Daddy was babysitting at that moment), and a full-time job. She worked nights as a nurse, and her husband worked days so they could avoid childcare costs.
Somehow Nicole was surviving on naps here and there, and a few hours of sleep before her shift, once her husband got home.
During our conversation, Nicole confessed it had become nearly impossible to spend quiet time with God in Bible study and prayer, and she felt terribly guilty.
In that moment God brought to mind an image of my loving, earthly father. If I were in Nicole’s situation and said to him, “Dad, I’d come see you in a minute, but with things the way they are right now . . .”
I knew what he’d do. Dad would interrupt and say, “Don’t worry–I understand! I know you love me, and you know I love you. When your schedule lightens up, then we’ll get together for an extended visit. For now, I’m delighted in these quick phone calls.”
I told Nicole, I think our heavenly Father would respond in the same way. (Remember Psalm 103:13 above?) Her heart was in the right place; she longed to spend quiet hours with God.
But in her current situation, it was perfectly fine to postpone such a plan until that debilitating season ended. Our God of grace understood; there was no cause for guilt.
Our God of grace would have us let go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations.
He’d have us delight in the golden work Christ has done and continues to perform in our lives [3].
And though we do press on to live by God’s wise ways, he would have us embrace the beauty of imperfect perfection [4].
Like a Kintsugi masterpiece.
*Not her real name
[1] 2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 2:10 ISV
[2] Matthew 5:48
[3] 1 Peter 1:3-5; Philippians 1:6
[4] Philippians 3:12-14; Lamentations 3:22-23
Photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com/Tima Miroshnichenko; www. rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com/Alexander Dummer; http://www.pxhere.com/Forrest Cavale; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org./Ruthann Hurwitz.
From the Inside Out 