When I first returned to God and faith after a long time-out, I expected everything about me to be radically transformed as a result of my conversion. Once I claimed my faith, I assumed I would become A Topnotch Christian.
I was quickly disabused of that notion.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that although I’d proclaimed my faith in God, I was still the same flawed, fallible person I’d always been: prone to judge, glass half-empty, quick-tempered, impatient (I could go on).
For a while my solution to this dilemma was simply to work harder. I strove to pray more often; to worship more authentically; to love even the most irritating people; to be positive and grateful; to follow all the rules.
You can probably guess how that worked out.
“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16, my italics) the rich man asked Jesus. I believe the rich man’s intentions were mostly good when he asked Jesus this question. I believe he truly wanted to prove his faith and thought he needed to do something to make that happen.
Exasperated by the rich man’s badgering, Jesus set him straight. “If you want to be perfect,” he said, “sell all your possessions, give the money to the poor, and then come back and follow me.” (19:21)
Of course this wasn’t what the rich man wanted to hear, and so he slunk away, unwilling to release his tight-fisted grip on his worldly possessions.
On one level, this story is clearly about the fact that the rich man valued his money over a true relationship with God. Yet I also think Jesus has a deeper message for us in this story, specifically in these six words: “If you want to be perfect…” (19:21)
Jesus knew he was asking the impossible of the rich man, not only because the man was unwilling to part with his possessions, but also because achieving perfection via our own merit is simply impossible.
The truth is, no matter how diligently we follow the rules, no matter how ambitiously we strive to live like Jesus, we will always fail. No matter how hard we work to earn our eternal salvation, we will always fall short.
Perfection is impossible.
It sounds pretty hopeless, doesn’t it? That was certainly the disciples’ reaction when they heard the conversation between Jesus and the rich man. “Who in the world can be saved then?” (19:25) they asked Jesus.
Jesus’ answer to his dismayed disciples is the deeper lesson in this story: “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (19:26, italics mine)
The answer, in a word, to the question of how in the world we can be saved, is grace.
This story about Jesus and the rich man is, at its core, a lesson about grace.
Humanly speaking, it’s impossible for us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven on our own merit. But with God, the possibilities are endless. God’s grace makes us pure and unblemished in his eyes.
Grace is the exception to the rule. Grace is the exception to the impossible.
Powerful post, Michelle, and as an endlessly struggling perfectionist, I really resonate with your own struggle. I have come to realize how destructive my perfectionism has been–how it actually keeps me from receiving the grace I so desperately need, how it is really self-reliance in disguise. And the amazing thing is that even in my sin, God keeps extending more grace. Grace covers my IMperfection, and He loves me despite it. Thank you for a timely reminder.
Love you (and was literally just praying over you and Mr. Luther yesterday. I pray you are making good progress)!
Lynn
I like how you put that, Lynn: perfectionism is self-reliance in disguise. You are RIGHT. And thank you, too, friend, for praying for me and the Luthers — we appreciate it! 🙂
Thank you, Michelle. I just reread what I wrote, and realized that my fingers slipped onto an interesting insight. I accidentally typed: IMperfection! Wow! That underscores what I met about that self-reliance, doesn’t it? Very cool, and I won’t forget that. It makes me more aware. Glad that your book is coming along nicely, with my apologies to Mrs. Luther. I keep forgetting to mention her! Can’t wait to read this, and will cont. to pray for your writing.
Love
Lynn
Simply beautiful pictures and thought-provoking perspective, Michelle. xoxo
Thanks, Caryn – always glad when you stop by, girlfriend.
Amen, Michelle! Grace is the exception to the impossible. Wonderfully penned today, my friend! Blessings!
Blessings right back to you, Martha – you are such a loyal reader and encourager; I appreciate it so much!
Reading your posts are like being handed a bottle of sparkling water and being refreshed. Your use of, and way of stringing words together always speak to my soul.
Grace and gratitude are two of my favorite subjects. I just finished reading “What’s So Amazing About Grace” by Philip Yancy a couple of weeks ago.
Wow, what a great analogy, Rene – thank you for that!
I read “What’s So Amazing about Grace” a coupl of years ago and found it to be a great read. I like Philip Yancy a lot.
Michelle- I have long wanted to send you a note to let you know how much your posts have been an encouragement and life-line to me over the past year+. Today’s post was just what my weary heart needed. God keeps whispering “Be still and KNOW”, and I stop and listen and remember for awhile-at least until the next doubt, crisis or challenge arises. It is then I feel the overwhelming urge to “DO SOMETHING!” and my response is “I MUST fix this NOW! ” More and more I realize that the greater I feel compelled to act, the less I lean on Him, and often my actions result in increased conflict and confusion, not less!
Thank you for being brave and sharing your heart with the world on a regular basis. Although I do not always agree with everything you write, I have come to recognize that I, too, am in process, asking the questions, and seeking His face to guide me to TRUTH. Your bravery in asking the questions and challenging the status quo, with grace, humility and honesty, is a breath of fresh air in the often confrontational Christian blog circuits.
Again, your voice has been one that has consistently helped me press on in the midst of present difficulty. I know my “endorsement” does not help pay the bills, but I encourage you to continue sharing your heart and God’s truth with the world, no matter the financial gain/loss. Your rewards are being built up in Eternity, where I look forward to chatting with you face to face, and thanking you in person.
Blessings to you and your family~
Dia
Dia, I cannot thank you enough for this kind, kind comment. Thank you so much for encouraging me today! I’m especially grateful for the fact that while you don’t always agree with everything I write, you are still here reading and connecting with me – that speaks volumes! I think in this day and age of instant-response social media, it’s so easy to write someone off just because you don’t see exactly eye-to-eye, instead of staying the course and realizing that sometimes it’s okay to disagree, and that even then, it’s possible to stay in community. Thank you for that gem of wisdom and for taking the time to share it with me. Bless you, friend.
grace, grace, grace. yes you are so right. loved the words but loved the fall photos even more. Relaxing beauty, Thank you
Thanks Michelle for helping us all accept our own and life’s imperfections. I wrote this poem a while ago:
Our Quest for Perfection
A new life is seen as perfect
no scars or irregularities must be evident.
A new marriage must be celebrated
with a perfect wedding day
even though all that follows will not be perfect.
Renovations shows
details us on how to create the perfect home
seeming to forget that people have to live in it
and have places to put their newspapers, magazines,
have family pictures up
and have some clutter.
All who like to appear to be having
a perfect family life,
will have that allusion shattered from time to time.
As having the perfect job
will have its many moments of difficulties
and unforseen changes.
A perfectly planned retirement
can quickly change with unexpected events or diagnosis.
Its time to let go of the perfection allusion
and live our lives
making choices reflecting our own values
in tune with the reality of our existence.
I also need to let go of my need of control in trying to “fix” things, learn to sit still, take deep breaths and increase my awareness of my surroundings. Thanks for your encouragement along life’s way.
What a FABULOUS take on that story, Michelle. Thank you for your usual forthright and lyrical way with words — that is a killer combo, in my book. And you’ve got it, in spades.