Perfecting Not Perfect!

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me…” Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)

As a follower of Christ, have you ever struggled with the pressure to be perfect? Have you wanted to say the right things, do the right things, and live in a way that reflects God's glory? Sure! However, the truth is, we are not called to be perfect—we are called to be perfected. The journey of faith is not about achieving flawlessness but about allowing God to refine you daily through His grace and truth.

Allow me to pause a moment. You may ask, doesn’t Jesus teach in Matthew 5:48, “But you are to be perfect, even as your father in heaven is perfect?” Yes, however, the Greek meaning of the word perfect (teleios) in this verse means complete, finished, mature or fully developed. It does not imply freedom from error, but points to achieving a distant objective that meet God’s standards not human standards.

God’s Work in You is Continuous

Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Your spiritual growth is a process. God is continuously shaping you into His image, not expecting instant perfection but a heart willing to grow. Psalm 138:8 NKJV reinforces this truth: "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands."

His Grace is Sufficient

When you stumble, God’s grace catches you. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Instead of being discouraged by your shortcomings, lean on God's strength, knowing He is perfecting you in your weaknesses. The ESV translation of Psalm 138:8 further assures us, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."

Perfection Belongs to Christ

You were never meant to bear the weight of perfection. Isaiah 64:6 says your righteousness is like filthy rags. It is only through Christ’s perfect sacrifice that you are made whole. Instead of striving for your own perfection or perfectionism, rest in His finished work. Psalm 138:8 AMP states, "The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever— Do not abandon the works of Your own hands."

There is Power in Surrender

Trying to be perfect in your own strength leads to frustration and burnout. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." When you surrender your struggles to Him, you will experience His peace and guidance. Psalm 138:8 KJV reminds us, "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: Forsake not the works of thine own hands."

Walk in Daily Renewal

Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewal is daily—it’s not a one-time achievement. Each day, we can align ourselves with God’s truth and allow Him to perfect us in His time. Psalms 18:32 NKJV says, "It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect." This reminds us that true perfection comes only from God’s power working in us.

Let's Pray:

Lord, I surrender my need to be perfect in everything. Thank You for Your patience and grace as You work in me. Help me to trust in Your process, lean on Your strength, and rest in the knowledge that You are perfecting me day by day. May my life reflect Your love and truth as I grow in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Perfection is not the goal—being perfected in Christ is. Embrace the journey and allow God to complete the work He has begun in you.

Be blessed,

Dee Davis