Have you ever lamented the fact that you’re not perfect?  You may have thought “If only I were (fill in the blank, for example:  thinner, richer, stronger, smarter, popular, etc.).   But what if your life was as it should be?  Think about it – what if everything that is happening to you is happening for a purpose and for your good?  How would that affect your perspective if you really believed that was true – I mean you REALLY believed it!  That makes us feel uncomfortable – we can always think of something that needs to be changed before we feel “perfect” – but what does the Bible say? 

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  (Philippians 3:15)

This may be thought of as the “perfection” of “imperfection”.  As you look at the preceding verses Paul realized he was not what he wanted to be,

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:12)

When you realize that you’re not everything that God wants you to be, but you’re seeking to follow Him then life is exactly as it should be – it is perfect.  God’s plan is that you partner with Him and become like Him,

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  (James 1:4)

Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  (Matthew 5:48)

The word translated “perfect” has the idea of bringing to completion – it is as it should be.  I have a two-year old granddaughter, she can walk and talk but she can’t run a marathon or quote Shakespeare.  But she can do what a two-year old is expected to do – she is “perfect” for her age.

If everything is as it should be then even the difficulties you experience are for your good and you are able to see them as a learning experience.  How does this perspective affect your outlook on life?  Everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen is as it should be – it is for your good.   I find this an extremely freeing perspective.  It seems too good to be true – but that’s what God does for His children.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

If you love God and you’re doing what He wants you to do then He causes everything to work together for your good.  You don’t need to worry – He’s got you covered!  You have the freedom to be exactly who God created you to be and do what He’s called you to do.  This is such an empowering truth because if you believe that God causes everything to work together for good that means you’re not in control – He is!  God is sovereign and nothing happens in your life unless He allows it.  (Read that last sentence again and let that truth comfort your heart.)

Do you feel imperfect?  That’s great – as long as you’re pressing on to know Jesus ­– then life is perfect – it is as it should be!   Be comforted knowing that God is causing all things to work together for good to those who love Him and to those who are living for His purpose.