“The command Be ye perfect is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. He said (in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make good His words.”
“The process will be long and in parts very painful, but that is what we are in for.” (Mere Christianity, pgs. 205 – 206)
I think that to many Christians don’t understand this concept properly. They don’t , even myself, realize that the process of perfection is a lifetime pursuit. One that may be rather bumpy for some and smoother for others. Each of us as Mr. Lewis points out has our own challenges and troubles that we must face to become more like the Savior Jesus Christ. Or maybe the reality is that we are to impatient and struggle with our own imperfections everyday that we forget to ‘forgive and forget’ and let people change and grow; instead we judge and criticize and probably stunt the spiritual growth of the person we attack.
I have to admit that I find myself OFTEN, daily and hourly, reminding myself that my boy is only 3 and that he doesn’t understand things the way a 25yr. old might. He doesn’t have the experience nor knowledge to be able to act the way I may want him to. This is the problem with many, they want certain behaviors from others that is not possible because it has not been learned. I would venture to suggest that, including myself, we must be more tollerant towards EVERY person we interact with; granted that in time some with prove & disprove themselves of our confidence and trust.
I do find it interesting that people are more critical, myself included, of family than of long-time friends. We can be even more critical of co-workers and other associates. Our imperfections abound! Yet, the council still stands that we can be perfect and inherit all that the FATHER hath. (Romans 8:16-17)
wil becker
2009.05.14
