Why Can’t I Be Perfect NOW?

by Kathy Collard Miller

Some time ago, I rejoiced in the Lord’s work in my life because an area of personal struggle seemed to finally be conquered. I felt victorious and knew the Lord had worked mightily. Praise the Lord!

As that wonderful realization dawned upon me, a thought quickly popped into my mind: “Could it be I’ve reached … perfection?” That realization energized me! Could it be that I’d actually reached what I’d been seeking all my life?

But within moments, I sensed the Holy Spirit gently tapping on my spirit’s shoulder. He smiled and said, “Kathy, you have done well in my power. Now here’s the next area I want to work on in you.”

“No! Don’t say that! I want to be perfect!” I cried out in my heart. “I don’t want something else to be a challenge. I just want life wrapped in a pristine white gift box with a pristine perfect white bow on top!”

But I knew that couldn’t be. I needed to be needy so that I would need God.

How do you feel when you read verses like Philippians 1:6?

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (NASB).

It’s saying we won’t be completed and perfect until we reach heaven. That can be frustrating. And maybe even confusing, because if the Holy Spirit is in us, we should be perfectly empowered all the time, right?

We want that verse to say: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it…yesterday!” Unfortunately, when our hearts think that’s what God really meant to say, we can easily envision God impatiently tapping His foot while His arms are folded across His chest. “When are you finally going to be perfect?” He would cry.

But that’s not the truth. The Apostle Paul wrote that we wouldn’t be perfect until the day of Christ Jesus–when each of us dies or Jesus returns. Until then, God will always be working on something in our lives. Yes, we will gain victory over areas of struggle…and then He’ll move on to the next thing He’s working on.

Does the thought of always having something to work on seem comforting or overwhelming? I hope it can be comforting, knowing God doesn’t expect you to become perfect on this earth. He knows He’ll always be working on something in your life.

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him…” 1 John 3:2 NASB

About the author: Kathy Collard Miller lives in Indio, CA, where she blogs, writes, and schedules speaking engagements. She is the author of over 50 books and has spoken in over 30 states and 8 foreign countries. Her latest book is No More Anger: Hope for an Out-of-Control Mom. Visit her at www.KathyCollardMiller.com.

Join the conversation: How do you deal with any feelings of wanting to be perfect on this earth?