Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
Why do we seek perfection? The short answer is Pride. As people, there is a natural desire to want to be acknowledged and known for being the best at something. And while there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence, a desire to be perfect can mask selfish ambition, a people pleasing spirit, fear and an orphan’s mindset. Believing you have to accomplish all in your own strength leads to exhaustion as we are incapable of bearing the right fruit without God. John 15:5 says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
As we dwell in Him, we are empowered and equipped. One of the most poignant examples of the striving versus surrender is the story of Mary and Martha. Martha had invited Jesus and the disciples into her home and was frantic, trying to ensure everything was ready and perfect for her guests. Things did need to get done, but she prioritized the activity versus being at Jesus’ feet. Martha was seeking to get everything right, but she failed to recognize the importance of time with Him at that very moment and that needing to be her fuel. The key to wholeness and maturity in Christ is locked up in the secret place.
Let’s Pray: Lord, I surrender all of my efforts to You and acknowledge that I need to depend on You every day to bear fruit. I renounce any root of pride and performance and depend solely on You. Like Mary, I humble myself at Your feet and simply, worship, adore and receive of You. Though I may stumble at times, with a childlike trust, I cling to You. I am being made whole in You, by Your love! I receive it!
More Scriptures:
“And
so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives
in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV)
“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched
his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”
Mark 5:28 (NIV)