Living With Chronic Pain – Spiritual Healing – The Meaning Of Perfection
Perfection…Humanly speaking today within our culture, do we really try to attain something that appears unattainable? Additionally, when experiencing brokenness within some part of our being, do we even care about perfection against obstacles like pain, fatigue, weakness, apathy, busyness and religious complacency, as examples?
During the unfolding of this 21st century, some might summarize that the closest thing to fulfilling the requirements of perfection can be found in area of computer technology. I mention this option first because it’s inorganic. Even though the hardware package might appear flawless, and the software might continually upgrade with performance, the truth of the matter is that the inventors of the computer are human. And when speaking in human terms, imperfection defines even the brightest among the population.
So where do we find perfection? And at what level is it measured to be determined as perfect? This is where theology comes into play, interconnecting the organic man with an infinite God.
I once had difficulty with Paul’s use of the word “perfection” in his letter to the Corinthians. “…our prayer is for your perfection” (2 Corinthians 13:9, NIV). Knowing that we cannot attain perfection while on this earth, then why would Paul tell us to aim for an ideal that appears unattainable?
Practically speaking, we observe this quite often in regards to religious faith. Needless to say, when the bar is set too high by religious expectation, then we have or will witness several who fail in their attempts to clear it. Basically, failure becomes inevitable by use of mere human effort, regardless of excellence, and given the fallen conditions of our present world.
So what do we do about this notion about perfection, even as it relates to God?
After studying Paul’s use of the word “perfection,” more appropriate terms, such as “restoration” or “made complete” should be considered in the translation. Remember this…Nothing can be considered perfect without having been created by a perfect Creator.
And here’s what’s so beautiful to observe. The reality about faith supports perfection exactly. When we stumble, when we fall short, when we require the gaps of our human inadequacies to be filled, God does so by His redemptive grace. As a result, He brings us into a state of perfection. It’s God pleasure to make us perfect before Him to partake in a perfect, eternal paradise. In terms of perfection, nothing else satisfies its requirement.
Keep me on your favorites. For more about living with chronic pain and spiritual healing visit me at www.gordonselley.com.
