Perfection Obsession!

I have a great appreciation for those with the ability to draw and paint because it is far from one of my talents. About the only thing I can draw is a conclusion. To me it is marvelous how real and life-like some are able to make a work of art. Maybe part of my problem is I lack the patience an artist needs. I have watched my oldest and youngest sons draw, erase, draw, erase, draw, erase, etc. My personal opinion was that each stroke and line looked great, but they had the desire for just the right shape and shading to capture what they had in mind.

Michelangelo has been described as having been obsessed with perfection. Upon completion of one of his greatest works, “Moses”, he stood back and gazed upon the image he had sculpted. Then, suddenly, he lashed out at the figure in anger, struck the masterpiece on the knee and shouted, “Why don’t you speak?” He was not satisfied! He wanted the image to be better! He wanted it to come alive! And that chisel scar remains today on the statue’s knee -- a reminder of Michelangelo’s obsession with excellence.

Now we can go nuts and put ourselves under undue pressure by an obsession with perfection. We could find ourselves responding to all we do with anger and frustration. However, to have a SUPREME GOAL in mind and CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARD IT is still the type of focus we need. This is especially true with regard to spiritual growth. Without this focus it is too easy to soon find ourselves complacent with where we are.

It is EXCELLENCY for which we need to continue striving. Even though Paul was very complimentary to the church at Thessalonica, notice the encouragement he still gave.

“Finally, then, brothers, we ASK and URGE you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, that you DO SO MORE AND MORE.” ( 1 Thessalonians 4:1 ESV)

Paul encouraged the Corinthian brethren to “AIM FOR RESTORATION” ( 2 Corinthians 13:11) and Jesus established the goal with these words: “You therefore must BE PERFECT, AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT.” ( Matthew 5:48 ESV)

It is through keeping the UTMOST STANDARD in mind we will be able to CONTINUE TOWARD EXCELLENCE. Someday in Christ it will all be brought to completion as Paul said,

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, THAT WE MAY PRESENT EVERYONE MATURE IN CHRIST.” ( Colossians 1:28 ESV)

In all of this the goal is toward PROGRESSING FURTHER AND FURTHER into what God desires us to be. May we keep our eyes on the goal and our life open to the transformation He can bring about.

Have a great day EMPOWERED BY GOD TO EXCEL!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 10/21/1998, (Edited some and the passages have been changed to ESV)]

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