When I first came into the Air Force I was a reserve chaplain at McChord AFB near my home in Washington state. I often had to go to Ft. Lewis to visit people in the hospital or the prison there. I remember driving to Ft. Lewis and seeing their huge sign that read "Zero Defects." While it made a great sounding slogan, the army changed it after a while because it backfired. People became so driven to have zero defects that they began to cover up mistakes, and were often tempted to falsify paper work to keep the records free of errors.
There is the same temptation in the spiritual realm. In 1 Peter 1:15 we read "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." I have seen times in the church where people will cover up there sins rather than confess them to God or one another, because they are living a "zero defects" kind of Christianity. We fear that someone would think that we am not "real" Christians. The danger is that we do not deal with our failings, but just endure them in order to appear OK.
Edwin Bliss said, "The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating , neurotic, and a terrible waste of time". While perfection is a goal for a Christian, perfectionism is not. It is also important that we know what the Word of God means by perfection. "Perfect" when used in reference to God may mean free from sin, but when used of the believer it does not. 1 John 1: 8 says "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
Perfection as a goal and an example for the Christian has a slightly different meaning. The Greek words epiteleo, epiteleo, katartizo, and akribos, can all be translated perfect. The first three speak of completeness or maturity, or bringing to and end. Katartizo signifies the right ordering and arrangement. Akribos speaks of accuracy. Gods plan for us is perfection, but the perfectionism we often think of will have to wait until we reach heaven. We are becoming complete and whole and we (God willing) are becoming mature spiritually, even though we still fail to follow Christ perfectly.
God's plan for our spiritual excellence is that we would walk in the light. (1 John 1) That means knowing what God wants us to do and doing it to the best of our abilities. When we fail, we confess our sins, and try again. That is Christian Excellence. This doesn't mean we give up and accept a mediocre spiritual life. Paul said it well in Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (KJV) Our goal is still moral excellence, spiritual excellence, and to do excellent things in the name of the Lord.
Aim High
Phil 4:8
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)
Titus 3:8
8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (NIV)
Col 3:22
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. (NIV)
1 Pet 4:11
11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
2 Tim 2:15-18
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Phil 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Cor 5:9
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
