Imperfections

The two chapters I read today deal with imperfections.  We all strive to better ourselves, often fall short, and try again.  We make resolutions and promises.  We write out our plans to improve.  How many of us are currently on a diet?  How many of us have the best of intentions on Sunday nights and Monday mornings that this week will be smoother, more organized, and we will accomplish more than last week? 

Jesus tells his disciples in Mark 8 to beware of the yeast of the political leaders of the day.  Obviously, he isn't actually speaking of bread.  He tells them that a small amount of their "wisom" could ruin a man.  He goes on the say that it will do no good to gain riches if you lose your soul along the way.  It sounds as if Jesus expects us to be perfect.  He doesn't want even a little sin to overpower us and cause us to stray from him.  So how do we stay perfect??  Grace and mercy have allowed our mess-ups to be forgiven.  Every day we are challenged to focus on Christ and not let in the yeast.

The good news is that God doesn't wait for us to be perfect to use us.  Judah, one of Jacob's sons, leaves his family in Genesis 38. He goes and marries outside of his group.  His sons are not nice men.  Two are struck dead for their sins. The wife of the first is invited to live with him so she can marry his youngest son when he comes of age.  She tricks Judah into fathering a set of twins with her.  They are not a holy or righteous couple, but my Bible points out in the sidebar that they both are listed as ancestors of Jesus.  God uses these imperfect people to continue his plans. 

I pray that God assists me in my quest to be perfect in his eyes and thank him for using me and loving me the way that I am!