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Matthew 5:48 – Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (NIV)
Why did Jesus command us to be perfect if we cannot be perfect?
In Sunday School a few weeks ago as we discussed the meaning of Lent, I silently reflected on how difficult it is to strive for Christian perfection and how short I fall in attempting to obtain that perfection.
Several months ago, I purchased one of those direct-to-home television satellite systems. In order to set it up, I read the installation manual from cover to cover several times to ensure I did it right (perfect) the first time. (How long has it been since I read God's manual cover to cover? Never, sad to say.) I followed the step-by-step instructions on how to select a site for best reception. I used a magnetic compass to direct the antenna in the proper direction, adjusted the azimuth to correspond to the degrees of latitude for my location. (How exacting am I in following God's direction?) I purchased cables with the proper specifications, and installed them so as to be pleasing and unobtrusive. I further fine-tuned the antenna to pull in the strongest signal. (Do my prayers fall short because I am not set to the proper channel or pointed in the right direction?) My objective was to achieve 100 percent signal strength (perfection) but the best I could achieve was about 85-94 percent.
I ran into barriers to that 100 percent goal. I selected screw-on cable connectors and initially could not get a strong signal. I tried and tried unsuccessfully. I finally realized I needed help and hired a local television repairman to look over my system. (When was the last time I asked for God's help?) The television fellow discovered my problem was with the cable screw-on connectors and replaced them with clamp-on connectors. (Am I clamped on to God?) He also gave me hints on how I could improve the 85-94 percent reception. He charged me $75.00 US. (Am I willing to pay the price to be a Christian?)
That was not the only barrier. After getting the system up and running, I discovered I could not get local television stations through direct-to-home television. (There is some law about that.) I remembered something in the manual that stated the receiver would accept local television if one installed an outside antenna. (Will this process of seeking perfection never end? Have I taken the time to reread God's manual?) Well, after several trips to the store, some bunny-ear antennae and another few hours of installation, I finally got to where everything is working. Perfect yet? No! The television repairman told me there were times when rain and other atmospheric conditions might interfere with my signal. (Do I let outside influences affect my relationship with God?)
Prayer: Lord, show me Your way. Make me obedient to Your desires for me. Give me a clear channel to Your communications with me. Point me. Direct me. Help me. Amen.
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About the author:
Jim WagnerBeaumont, Texas, USA
Hello Jim This was interesting and I would be frustrated. I am thankful the Holy Spirit helps to guide, understand, and helps with outside interference. God bless.
Great analogy! I find stories like this help me to understand complex ideas. Using something I can relate to, to help me look at faith differently… ages ago I enjoyed a book that looked at everyday objects and compared them to faith. Thank you for the blessing your writing, your inspiration, gave me this morning. I’m far from perfect, but can improve with fine tuning, just as my connection with God can be improved with fine tuning and asking for help.”