You're Under Construction

I don’t know about you, but where I live, there always seem to be roads under construction. It can be slow and frustrating, but when it is finished, the results are usually pleasing. My friend, you and I are always under construction by the Lord. And while it sometimes seems painful, bumpy, and slow, the results will be worth it.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (KJV)

This verse has been a source of condemnation for many believers who are sincerely trying to live for God. Being perfect in this life is simply not possible, so it seems as if Jesus is telling us to do the impossible. That is not the case. The Greek word translated perfect in the King James Version is teleios, meaning complete. It refers to maturity, to being of full age. God is telling us to grow up. This means we are to be in the process of maturing to become more and more like Jesus.

We don’t have to be perfect or have a perfect performance. God does not expect that from us. He expects us to be always making progress, becoming better and better everyday. There will be days where you feel good about how you’ve lived, and there will be days where you feel like you’ve blown it. Don’t let it get you down, just keep pressing on and pressing in to God. If we stick with God, He’ll help us develop and improve.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (English Standard Version, ESV)

Being changed and transformed is a process. We are progressively maturing as we focus on God. We do this by spending time with Him. We can grow by being in His Word and by fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. When we approach it this way, personal growth and transformation is not hard. The Word brings faith (Romans 10:17) and praying in the Spirit strengthens our inner man (I Corinthians 14:4, Ephesians 3:16). When we consistently seek God and pursue the things of God, we grow and mature automatically.

God doesn’t expect literal perfection from us. Instead, He wants us to be doing our genuine best to grow in Him until we get to Heaven and are presented to Him perfect and without flaw.