Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice, is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. –Matthew 7:24
There were two tests that every girl must pass in order to become the perfect runway model at Henshaw’s Department Store. When standing straight with your feet together, your legs must touch at the calf and knee, and you must master balancing on one leg while supporting a book on your head. While other girls had no issues with balance or calf-and-knee touch points, my legs were scrawny and my poise was poor so, that after my 8-week stay in modeling school, I was dismissed–an epic fail.
My charm, composure, and stature, had no merit in the modeling world, which I was certain would be the perfect career for this sixth grader. However, in spite of my failure to be “model-perfect,” I still had a measurable dose of confidence and self-esteem. I returned to my drawing roots and quickly entered a pencil drawing of my pet dog, Brillo, in a local art show. Honorable Mention is almost 3rd place, right? I thought his uneven eyes gave him character.
God doesn’t expect me to be model-perfect or the next art show sensation. Knowing that, I can breathe a sigh of relief. He created my legs and the rest of my body exactly as He intended: off balance and scrawny. I, like everyone else, have flaws.
As easy as it can sometimes be to recognize my physical flaws, looking closely at the defects in my character can be a struggle. When I realize my shortcomings, I have to make a choice. Do I remain the same, convinced that I am who I am, or do I seek to make a change and become who Christ intended me to be?
As we read God’s Word, the Bible, we learn how to act, think, and speak in a way that pleases Him. In addition we learn that as we read, we need to apply what we have learned to our everyday lives. And contrary to what others believe, choosing to follow what is written in the Bible and following God’s standard for living righteously, doesn’t hinder our fun, rather it neutralizes our flaws, and gives space for God to mold us into the people He intends for us to become.
GOING DEEPER
1. What imperfections keep you from believing that you are perfectly created by God?
2. What changes can you make today, which allows for more Christ-like character?
FURTHER READING
Psalm 8:3-8, 2 Corinthians 3:18