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Perfection, for us, is not attainable. We can never be perfect. There are many scriptures that might suggest that, (Paul says in one instance that he strives to present everyone perfect in Christ – Col 1:28) but in the end "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:23)

I am still trying to learn that for myself. I think that I try hard everyday to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5) and to be Holy as God is Holy. (1 Pet 1:16) But grace demands that I realize my shortfall. I can never make it on my own to perfection.

"God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast."

So we know that perfection can not be attained by anything that we do. So why do we keep trying? Moreover, why do I try and get my boys to be "perfect"?

Because we love Him. Because God gave everything for us, so we want to give all we can for Him. Because we know the closer we live to what He says, the better our lives are going to be. Psalm 119:32 says "I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free", which says I can RUN when I am following the path of God’s rules because I know I won’t trip or get caught on anything. When we position ourselves in God’s light, his path, his way… life is better, life is more free.

That is what I want for me. That is what I want for my Father. That is what I want for my boys. But I am learning as a dad of only about 5 years now, that perfection is not attainable. Not for me. And not for my boys.

That is hard to admit, hard to accept. But it’s true. I pray that I can save my boys from as much hurt as possible, but I know that their True Father loves them more than me and He knows when to allow mistakes and wrong choices in order to bring bigger growth than "protection" might bring.

Perfection is not attainable… but it has been given to us:

Heb. 10:14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Rest in grace. Strive for holiness. Accept his gift of perfection. And dole out healthy portions of grace to those in your life.

That is perfection.