Imperfections

There is no one righteous, not even one. (Romans 3:10)

Through my years of drinking I developed this thing called perfectionism to the point that coloring outside the lines caused anxiety. I would like to say it has been removed from me, but it hasn't. I handle imperfections better these days, but still struggle a bit. I have often thought, why should I be sharing my Biblical insight when I continue to mess up? I don't always live up to what I say to others. There are times when I feel hypocritical and I want to give up sharing my insights with others. Then God steps in and reminds me that my imperfections are things He can use to encourage others. He reminds me that I'm not righteous apart from Him. I am human and I will make mistakes.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15). There are times when I do what I do not want to do. I say things I don't want to say. I treat people the way I don't want to treat them. We all do. This make us human. If I was perfect I wouldn't need Jesus. Jesus said, "I did not come to save the righteous, but sinner to repentence." (Luke 5:32). My imperfections, my sins are the reason Jesus made the journey to the cross. Your sins are the reason Jesus made the journey to the cross. 

My imperfections are what qualify me to share my Biblical insight. When I do the strength of Jesus is highlighted. Jesus can take my mistakes, my imperfections, and use them as encouragement to others. He can use my missteps as a hope for others. In the words of Paul, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). So I will boast about my weaknesses in order to show Christ's power. 

Yes, I will mess up. It's what we humans do. However, I will boast about my weaknesses so others can see the power of the cross of Jesus. My failures don't define me. My relationship with Jesus does.