We’ve reached the final post in our {life} Under Construction series… thanks for sticking with me this week!! If you’re just joining me for the series, welcome!
We’ve looked at how plans are critical to the success of a project (part 1), how a promise sets the stage for big change (part 2), how preparation is messy (part 3), and how progress takes time (part 4).. But eventually, through hard work and determination, the project comes to an end. (<–insert happy dance here)
Phase 5: Perfection
Let me first say this: I am by no means implying that any of us are or will ever be perfect in this lifetime. Not in the way we normally use the word anyway.
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means!”
Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
Let’s look at the 3 types of “perfection” we can strive for!
Perfection: Transformed
After months of planning, preparation and construction, we finally get to the big reveal! This is my favorite part… everyone loves a good before and after, right? It’s a time for celebrating, for remembering how things used to be and appreciating the changes that have made things better in one way or another.
One of my favorite new transformation shows Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (on Netflix). But what draws me to the show and to the contestants isn’t so much the “before and after” as it is the journey — the process of transformation. Each episode features a family who is parting with their mess and creating a transformation, but even more endearing are the changes we see that are happening on the inside. By the time we reach the end of the episode we find ourselves sharing in their joy as they celebrate their transformation.
”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
The Greek word for “conform” used here (“suschematizo“) is used to describe outward appearance, but the Greek word used for “transform” is metamorphoo (pronounced met-a-mor-fuh-OH) – literally translated, “transfigured.” We are talking about a change that is as complete on the inside as it is on the outside.
We look different, we feel different, we are different. We are a new creation.
”Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
Perfection: Mature
Yesterday we talked about how good work takes time. It can’t be rushed. The appropriate steps need to be followed, and sometimes those steps include giving things time to settle, cure and become ready for the next step. This is a hard one for me… the one who tries to put pictures back up on the wall when the paint is still wet. Yes, I know… patience, patience.
Have you ever tried to eat a piece of fruit that wasn’t yet ripe? It’s hard and bitter, right? On the other hand, the same piece of fruit allowed to grow and be picked at the peak of its ripeness is irresistably good. It’s perfect.
The Greek word “teleios” is often translated in scripture as “perfect“. Literally, it means perfect, full-grown, mature — having gone through the necessary stages.
”My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be made perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
Being in a construction phase of life is not easy. It often means our faith, patience and endurance are tested in ways we may never before have thought we had the strength for. And yet every trial we face strengthens us and prepares us for the next, so that as we mature, our hearts and minds become capable of producing some pretty amazing fruit.
Perfection: Complete
At the end of a construction project, when the last punch list item is addressed, the contractor packs up the tools and hands the keys back to the homeowner (until they are ready to start the next project!).
The project is complete!
The place will never be perfect, as long as there are people living in it. It will always need to be cleaned and maintained. But it’s complete. It’s the living, breathing, imperfectly-perfect result we want.
The word “teleios” we looked at a minute ago also means complete… having reached the end, developed to completion, reaching a goal by achieving the necessary steps (via Biblehub). As changes happen in us, they reach completion. We will never be perfect, but we can strive for completeness. Wholeness.
”…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
What perfection isn’t
In a recent post I talked about just saying yes to the great adventures we are called to. For many of us (myself included), taking the first step in faith is difficult when we are waiting for that elusive day when we finally believe we are ready. Qualified. Perfect. But perfection isn’t a destination. It’s the journey we take to become transformed, mature, complete — and it’s a lifelong journey. Perfection is not something we will achieve in this lifetime!
A couple of questions I found helpful to ask myself when facing the fear of trying:
- Am I waiting for perfection?
- Am I waiting to have it all together before stepping out in faith to do something that is bigger than I could imagine?
- Am I seeking to glorify myself or glorify God?
Being willing to take a chance and allow others to see us for who we really are with all of our imperfections allows others to see the God who works through us in spite of those imperfections.
If we look at the before and after stories in the Bible… it is filled from cover to cover with stories of God using ordinary, imperfect people to achieve His extraordinary plans. It is through our imperfections that His work can shine; it is through our weaknesses that He is glorified in our lives.
”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Life in the construction zone
My challenge to you today is this: hang up the “pardon our dust” sign and open your doors! Welcome others into your construction zone. Let God use you just as you are, where you are, whatever that looks like.
Thanks so much for joining me for the series. Have a beautiful weekend!
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