Grace in Imperfection

Perfection. That thing everyone knows is unattainable, yet the bar we all want to reach. In sports we practice for hours to make our motions flawless; in academics we aim for that 4.0. In the church we are called to be Christ-like. We are rewarded for our near-perfect achievements and cover up the things that we are ashamed of. No wonder authenticity amongst communities is so hard to find.

I have always loved being involved in a variety of activities, yet I have always felt inadequate at most of them. I tried to be a leader, but I never fully believed I was one. I tried to be in command, but couldn’t. I tried to be strong, but I never felt I was. I was always striving, but only achieved unrest and defeat.

Slowly I came to the realization that the deepest parts of my heart will always be shameful. That will never change. However, how I look at it can. Life is more than becoming blameless; it is instead realizing that we need God everyday. I realized that to truly appreciate the grace of God, I needed to embrace my imperfections. My imperfections should stand not as a hindrance, but instead as a symbol of the hope I daily find in the cross.

For if I naturally felt secure, brave, and strong; if I naturally trusted, was kind, perfect, and loving would there be a need for God? If I felt all of those things naturally, not only would I be deeply out of place with reality, but I would stop seeking God’s grace daily.

Thank you God that your grace is sufficient for me.

“My power is made perfect in weakness” -2 Corinthians 12:9