Perfect

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

In my life, I've met people who never came to God because they demanded perfection of themselves. If they could not be absolutely perfect from the start, then they decided it wasn't worth beginning. They never started because they could never reach perfection. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:8-9).

Jesus talked about two types of people who try to come to God. "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14).

The Pharisee demanded perfection of himself and approached God thinking he had succeeded. The tax collector knew he wasn't perfect but wanted God in his life. Which one are you?

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:8-10).

Your friends aren't looking for someone perfect. We want you free from sin, including your addiction, so we are willing to work with you. Don't lock your friends out because you don't measure up to your own expectations.