Matthew 5:48 | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Matthew 5:48’

A Kintsugi Masterpiece

Posted in Encouragement, God, God's Delight, God's Grace, Maturity, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 1:3-5, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Ephesians 2:10, Kintsugi, Matthew 5:48, Perfection, Philippians 1:6, Spiritual Maturity on September 7, 2023| 37 Comments »

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.

Read Full Post »

God’s Pleasure in Progress

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, God's Delight, God's Grace, God's Love, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged God's Delight in Us, Isaiah 30:18, Matthew 5:48, Philippians 3:12-14, Psalm 147:11, Psalm 37:23, Psalm 84:11, Spiritual Perfection, Zephaniah 3:17 on July 19, 2017| 15 Comments »

My first teaching job was in a small community southwest of Lexington, Kentucky. Although the school included first through sixth grades, there were only five teachers. Second grade was divided, some students included in first, the rest with third. I was assigned the first/second split.

The first morning of school went by quickly as we read stories, played a few learning games, and completed a class chart of favorite summer activities. Soon it was time to march to the cafeteria for lunch.

So began my habit of standing at the end of the counter, wrapping utensils and a straw in a napkin, then perching a milk carton on an empty corner of the plate as the students passed by.

One second grader, Ricky, was much too manly to use a straw. Each day he would proclaim, “I don’t need no straw.”

Each day I would patiently correct him: “I don’t need a straw.” Ricky would repeat it again after me. It almost became a joke between us, as the exchange occurred day after day, month after month.

One noontime in March, while focused on wrapping the next set of flatware, I heard Ricky’s voice proudly proclaim, “I DON’T NEED A STRAW!”

My eyes popped, Ricky’s twinkled, and his broad smile indicated his pleasure in remembering–all by himself–how to correctly form his request.

A quick hug, a few pats on the back, and an “I-am-so-PROUD-of-you!” let him know how I felt.

It never occurred to me to say, “Well, it’s about time, Bud! You DO realize we’ve repeated this little ceremony over one hundred times, don’t you?”

No. This was a moment to celebrate! Our perseverance had paid off. And perhaps this one little grammatical victory would prompt Ricky to conquer the next. I was thrilled.

Do you suppose that’s how God feels when our “practice makes perfect?”

When:

Our quiet time with him finally becomes a near-daily habit?
We remember to express gratitude and praise to him throughout the day?
We’re able to think before we speak more consistently?
We forgo some purchase for pleasure in order to supply someone else with necessities?
We put aside our agenda to do a favor for someone else?

Yes, I believe God is thrilled with our steps of progress, just as I was with Ricky’s effort. If God withheld his pleasure until we reached perfection, we’d never experience even one good thing (Psalm 84:11). He’d always be in discipline-mode.

But Isaiah tells us: “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion” (30:18).

David reminds us that out of his grace and compassion he guides our steps and takes delight when we follow his way (Psalm 37:23 AMP).

Another psalmist proclaimed that the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (147:11). No mention of delight reserved only for those who are perfect.

Ah, but what about Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect?”

Yes, that is the standard, but God does not disapprove of us because we haven’t achieved that goal. He knows perfection this side of heaven is impossible. What he does approve of is effort—to press on like Paul to “receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:12-14).

When we stumble, we keep going. When we fall, we get up and try again.

But listen closely. You’ll hear God celebrating our progress (Zephaniah 3:17).

* * * * * * * * * *

We praise you, Heavenly Father, for being a gracious, compassionate God,

who is slow to become angry and always abounding in loving-kindness.

Even as we strive to be more like you,

we can rest in the knowledge that you will not condemn us

when we stumble and fall.

Thank you for your readiness to forgive and your everlasting love.

Thank you for continually drawing us closer to you and your perfection.

(Psalm 103:1-2, Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9; Jeremiah 31:3).

Photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.grist.org; http://www.neabscobaptist.org; http://www.untilsheflies.com.)

Reblogged from June 15, 2015.

Read Full Post »

Perfection vs. Excellence

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Excellence, God's Grace, Godly Character, Holiness, Maturity, tagged Differences between perfectionism and excellence, Excellence, James 1:4, Matthew 5:48, Perfectionism, Philippians 1:9-11, Proverbs 24:16, Psalm 118:5-8, Psalm 18:25-33, Romans 3:23 on September 24, 2015| 10 Comments »

Years ago I read a story that still comes to mind now and then.

As I recall, an older church member–a woman of very high standards which she vocalized frequently–came to visit a young mother of the church unannounced.

The impromptu hostess—we’ll call her Beth—invited Mrs. Perfect into her home, grateful that she’d straightened up a bit after her two older children left for school. The two younger ones were playing quietly with new Legos (How fortunate was that?), allowing the two women to chat.

As they sat at the kitchen table, Beth considered the room from her guest’s perspective: table cleared, dishes done, counters not too cluttered or spotted. Whew.

Then she saw it: an orange peel on the floor—not a fresh strip from breakfast; more likely from last week. How did I miss that? Beth thought. One thing for sure: Mrs. Perfect wouldn’t miss it. It was in plain view from where she sat too.

Suddenly Beth experienced an epiphany. What difference did it make to her if this poor, old woman noticed the orange peel? Mrs. Perfect, however, would leave with a spring in her step because she would never allow such filth to remain undetected on her floor.

And Beth smiled to herself as the other woman prattled on about the upcoming bazaar. I hope that orange peel makes her day. And Beth truly meant it.

God brings that story to my mind because I have to fight against perfectionism too.

And the reasons? So others will be pleased with me, appreciate me, and admire my efforts. Notice: me, me, my.

Clearly perfectionism is a close relative of self-centeredness. Oh, Lord, forgive me.

I pray God steers me away from such counter-productive expectations of myself. Instead I want to strive for excellence.

Yes, there is a difference between perfection and excellence.

Perfectionists have the tendency to:

Set unreasonably high standards
Experience satisfaction only when those high standards are met
Become depressed over failures and disappointments
Be controlled by fear of failure and therefore procrastinate
Worry about disapproval when mistakes are made

On the other hand, those striving for excellence are likely to:

Set standards that are high but reachable
Enjoy the process as well as the outcome
Recover quickly from failures and disappointments
Keep fear under control with positive truth
View mistakes as opportunities for growth

For the Christian, excellence should be our loving response to God with the desire to please him.

And what might those responses look like, as we strive for excellence?

Ask God to reveal his expectations. Then invite him to work toward meeting his standard: maturity (James 1:4).
Take pleasure in signs of spiritual growth, as we manifest the fruit of the Spirit more and more each day (Philippians 1:9-11).
Turn to him for encouragement and strength when failures and disappointments come (Psalm 18:25-33).
Keep fear under control with appropriate scriptures and uplifting devotionals (Psalm 118:5-8).
View mistakes as opportunities to grow in maturity and in our relationship with God (Proverbs 24:16).

6f8af2878da632fd3fcbfe0e23c9a750

By the way, when the Bible tells us to be perfect (as in Matthew 5:48), the words mature and complete are helpful synonyms to interpose. Perfection is not within our abilities to achieve (Romans 3:23). We know it and God knows it.

Here’s what we can do:

“Strive toward holiness, yet relax in grace.”

–Philip Yancey

Isn’t that a wonderfully balanced goal?

Let’s remember: “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone [including ourselves] put a harness of slavery [to perfectionism] on you.” – Galatians 5:1 (MSG)*

*Words in brackets added.

Photo credits: www.deeprootsathome.com; http://www.femhack.com; http://www.worshipmatters.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).

What are your thoughts about perfectionism and Christian excellence? Share your comments below!

Read Full Post »

God’s Pleasure in Progress

Posted in Encouragement, God's Delight, God's Grace, Godly Character, Holiness, Maturity, Perseverance, Success, Uncategorized, tagged God celebrates progress, God's Compassion, God's Grace, Isaiah 30:18, Matthew 5:48, Philippians 3:12-14, Psalm 103:1-2, Psalm 147:11, Psalm 37:23, When practice makes perfect, Zephaniah 3:17 on June 15, 2015| 11 Comments »

The children lined up to receive their plates of food, and then were instructed to pick up napkins, utensils, cartons of milk, and straws – all without benefit of trays. Little hands struggled to hold so many items–much less carry them all without accident. (And why were the first and second graders seated farthest from the serving line? I never had the nerve to ask.)