12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. . ." Deuteronomy 10:12 (ESV)
While the list from the verse in Deuteronomy is daunting- fear, obedience, love, and service, there is no mention of perfection. We are required to fear, obey, love, and serve with all our heart and soul, and while doing these things without error is the ultimate, we know that is theoretically, but not realistically possible.
As I sit typing this, I am beginning to wonder if my "theoretically, but not realistically possible" attitude makes me bit less fervent, somewhat less eager to strive for perfection. Paul wrote, "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." Romans 7:15 (ESV) In the 20th chapter of Numbers we read how Moses goofed at the end of his career and was forbidden from entering the promised land.
I mean if Moses and Paul never achieved earthly perfection, why should I work strive for that goal? Has the church today gone too far from the message of spiritual work, heavenly sweat, and holy heartache?
If I fail to strive for perfection, what is an acceptable goal in God's eyes? Three sins a day? What about five at work (you know how they are at the office), four at home (the kids drive me nuts), and seven extra for the weekends (gotta' blow off steam).
Perfection not just in heaven, but also on earth, should be the sought for, fought for goal of each child of God. Let's quit making excuses and start making progress.
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