Pursuing Perfection: A Call to Live as God Intends

 

“On the other hand, you must realize from the outset that the goal toward which He is beginning to guide you is absolute perfection; and no power in the whole universe, except you yourself, can prevent Him from taking you to that goal.” – C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

How we live matters deeply to God. If our actions were insignificant, then Jesus would not have needed to die for our sins. Our words and deeds profoundly impact our relationship with God and our witness to others.

Yet, there’s a troubling misconception floating around: that as Christians, how we live doesn’t really matter because we’re bound to sin anyway. Some believe that faith alone is what counts, not behavior. However, this line of thinking misses a crucial truth: genuine faith shapes how we act. If we’re unwilling to confront sin in our lives, it’s a clear sign that our faith isn’t as strong as it should be.

The Biblical idea of perfection is about maturity and completion. To be perfect is reach the goal and be completely mature. This means life is about a progress towards maturity in Christ Jesus.

God doesn’t demand immediate perfection from us. Perfection is the ultimate goal He is leading us toward. What He does require, though, is that we actively work to make the necessary changes in our lives. Through these changes, we grow closer to becoming the people He wants us to be.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:17 (NLT): “With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.” Similarly, he warns in Ephesians 5:3-5 (NLT):

“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.”

When we choose to follow Christ, there must be a visible transformation in our lives. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:4 (NLT): “Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you.”

This transformation says something profound about our commitment. If we refuse to adjust our vocabulary, the way we party, the jokes we tell, or the entertainment we consume, what does that reveal about our dedication? It’s tempting to justify our behavior by pointing to God’s grace and forgiveness, but grace is not a free pass to continue sinning. Grace is a safety net, not a license to be complacent. It ensures we don’t lose our salvation for every mistake, but it doesn’t excuse laziness in pursuing holiness.

God’s ultimate desire is to make us holy, as He is holy. Holiness is what biblical perfection looks like. The challenge is that God won’t accomplish this without our consent and cooperation. We must actively participate in the process by striving to change our lives and fighting against the sin that seeks to enslave us. This ongoing battle against sin is the path through which God molds us into His image.

Let’s embrace this journey, knowing that perfection is not just an unattainable ideal but a promise—one that He will faithfully bring to completion as we trust and obey Him. May our lives reflect our faith, drawing us closer to Him and serving as a testimony to those around us.

Be Wise

Robert Fulghum once wrote in the Kansas City Times, "Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten." He went on to list simple yet profound lessons: share everything, play fair, say you’re sorry, and stick together. These lessons illustrate an important truth: wisdom isn’t about having vast knowledge or advanced degrees. Wisdom is about how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to life. Even young children can display wisdom in their actions.

God desires that His people live with wisdom. Wisdom is more than a collection of rules; it’s godly knowledge applied to living well in God’s world. The Old Testament Law wasn’t merely a set of do’s and don’ts—it was a source of wisdom meant to guide Israel in representing God well. Similarly, the book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom through short, memorable sayings. These proverbs were given to help God’s people navigate life in a way that glorifies Him and blesses others. They remain relevant to us today because living with wisdom transforms not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.

Proverbs 4:5-9 highlights three essential attitudes for living with wisdom: desiring wisdom, prioritizing wisdom, and valuing wisdom.

---

I. Desire Wisdom (Proverbs 4:5-6)

The first step toward living wisely is to desire wisdom. To desire wisdom is to recognize its benefits and long for the blessings it brings to life. We often fail to desire wisdom because we mistakenly believe it’s too hard to obtain—that it’s reserved for intellectuals or scholars. However, God offers wisdom freely through His Word, His people, and prayer.

The father in Proverbs encourages his son to pursue wisdom persistently, reminding us that this is a lifelong process. Wisdom is not something we stumble upon accidentally; it requires intentional effort and discipline. Proverbs 4:5 commands us to “get wisdom” and “get understanding,” emphasizing the need for deliberate action. This pursuit often involves spiritual disciplines such as studying the Bible, meditating on God’s truth, and seeking counsel from wise believers.

In verse 6, wisdom is personified as something to cherish and guard, like a close friend. When we value wisdom in this way, we experience its blessings and protection. The journey to wisdom begins with a heartfelt desire to receive it.

---

II. Prioritize Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7)

The second attitude we must cultivate is prioritizing wisdom. Desiring wisdom is not enough if we don’t make it a priority in our lives. To prioritize wisdom means to declare it as valuable and worth pursuing above all else.

Proverbs 4:7 tells us, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This underscores the absolute necessity of wisdom in our lives. When we prioritize wisdom, we position ourselves to live the life God created us to live. This doesn’t guarantee a life free of challenges, but it ensures that we can faithfully represent God in all we say and do, trusting Him to provide for our needs.

Unfortunately, we often devalue wisdom, treating it as an afterthought. We settle for salvation and then muddle through life without asking God for the wisdom He has for us. Yet, God’s wisdom empowers us to bear His image more fully and live as His representatives in this world.

---

III. Value Wisdom (Proverbs 4:8-9)

The final attitude we need is to value wisdom. To value wisdom is to recognize its worth and understand that it’s worth sacrificing for. Olympic athletes train for years to compete for a medal—we should have a similar dedication when it comes to pursuing wisdom.

In Proverbs 4:8-9, the father tells his son that wisdom will exalt and honor those who embrace it. When we live with wisdom, we become a blessing to others—not just through our words but through our actions and how we treat people. This kind of life brings recognition and honor, not in a prideful sense but as a testimony to the transformative power of wisdom. The benefits of living with wisdom extend from this life into eternity.

Today, we live in an age where information is readily available. A quick Google search or YouTube video can answer almost any question. But true wisdom doesn’t come from the internet—it comes from God, the one who created us and knows how life is meant to be lived.

---

Conclusion

God calls His people to live with wisdom. This wisdom is seen in how we treat others and respond to life’s challenges. It is godly knowledge applied to living well in God’s world. To live with wisdom, we must desire it, prioritize it, and value it.

Living with wisdom glorifies God and blesses others. It helps us navigate life with understanding and grace, often making our lives easier and more fulfilling. More importantly, it allows us to be a blessing to our friends and family by treating them well and sharing truth with them. In doing so, we reflect God’s glory in our words and actions.

---

Challenge

1. Read through the book of Proverbs, taking time to memorize a few key verses.

2. Reevaluate your priorities to ensure wisdom takes first place in your life.

3. Reflect on the benefits of wisdom and commit to living in a way that allows others to see its fruit in your life.

---

Final Thought

Wisdom is not just about knowledge—it’s about living well in God’s world. Make the choice to BE WISE today.

Parenting in a Digital World: Foundations of Parenting in a Digital World

Parenting in a digital age is no easy task. As a parent and pastor, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply digital technology impacts our families. This blog post, based on insights from The Digital Parenting Guidebook and a recent session I facilitated, aims to provide foundational principles for parenting in a connected world. Let’s explore the challenges and opportunities of digital parenting and how we can approach this journey with intention, grace, and adaptability.

---

Welcome to the Digital Age

Digital technology is woven into the fabric of our daily lives—it’s not going away. As parents, we’re tasked with equipping our children to navigate this world responsibly. But before diving in, ask yourself:

• What are your biggest concerns about parenting in a digital world?
• What tools and principles do you need to address these challenges?

David Tucker wisely reminds us that “digital parenting is a type of discipleship.” It requires us to both teach and model the behaviors we want our children to adopt. This is hard, counter-cultural work. Your children will test boundaries, and society may push back on your efforts. But with commitment and consistency, you can guide your family through this complex terrain.

---

Guiding Principles for Digital Parenting

At its core, parenting in a digital world boils down to three key roles: protecting, guiding, and empowering our children.

1. Protection

The internet opens our children to harmful content, interactions, and addictive tendencies. Establishing boundaries—like screen time limits and content filters—is essential to protect them.

2. Guidance

Parenting isn’t just about rules; it’s about relationships. Guide your children by:

• Modeling healthy digital habits: Demonstrate balanced tech usage. Put down your phone during family time and prioritize face-to-face interactions.
• Having open conversations: Talk with your kids about their online activities, friends, and feelings.
• Building trust: Create an environment where they feel safe coming to you with mistakes or concerns.

3. Empowerment

We can’t shield our children from technology forever, nor should we. Empower them by teaching responsible tech usage and providing age-appropriate freedoms. Encourage them to use technology creatively and productively—whether through coding, digital art, or research for their interests.

---

Know Your “Why”

Every family needs a clear purpose behind their digital parenting. Here are mine:

1. Foster Creativity and Productivity
   Boredom often breeds creativity. Encourage your children to play, build, draw, and explore outside the screen.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries
   Unrestricted tech use can lead to addiction, especially for young, developing brains. Guide your children in establishing limits for social media, video games, and other digital activities.

3. Prepare for Future Tech
   Technology evolves rapidly—AI, robotics, and embedded devices are just around the corner. Lay a solid foundation now so your children can adapt as they grow.

---

Obstacles to Overcome

Parenting in the digital world comes with unique challenges:

• Screen Addiction: Devices are designed to be addictive—for us and our kids. Break the cycle by modeling balance.
• Parental Inconsistency: Ensure you and your co-parent are aligned on boundaries and rules. Consistency is key.
• Peer Influence: Other families may not share your values, exposing your children to unregulated tech. Use these moments to reinforce your family’s principles.
• Overwhelm: The pace of digital change can feel daunting. Stay informed but give yourself grace—it’s impossible to know everything.

---

Simple Steps to Start Today

If digital parenting feels overwhelming, take these immediate actions:

1. Set Boundaries
   Discuss and establish age-appropriate tech limits with your spouse or co-parent.

2. Initiate Conversations
   Ask your children about their online activities, friends, and feelings. For older kids, involve them in boundary-setting to foster a sense of ownership.

3. Educate Yourself
   Learn about the platforms and apps your children use. Staying informed will help you make better decisions.

4. Model Good Habits
   Your behavior is your children’s biggest influence. Make tech-free family time a priority, and show them how to balance digital and real-world interactions.

---

A Final Word

As parents, we are uniquely positioned to guide our children through the complexities of the digital world. And remember: if God has called you to this task, He will provide the wisdom and resources you need. Lean on Him, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—from mentors, fellow parents, or trusted resources.

What’s your biggest challenge or success story when it comes to digital parenting? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you.

Grow in Wisdom

 Life has a funny way of showing us how little control we actually have. Even the best-laid plans are no match for life’s unpredictability. Mark Batterson captures this truth perfectly in his book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day with the story of a malfunctioning car horn.

One morning, while stopped at a red light, Batterson tapped his horn to signal the car ahead. But what began as a polite gesture quickly turned into chaos when the horn jammed and wouldn’t stop honking. After pulling into a gas station, mortified but relieved, the family thought the problem was solved—only for the horn to start blaring again on the highway at 70 mph.

Batterson describes the confusion of other drivers and the sheer panic in the car as he pounded on the horn to silence it. What should have been a simple, peaceful drive turned into 15 minutes of chaos, frustration, and embarrassment. Yet, looking back, it became the highlight of their trip—unplanned, unforgettable, and filled with unexpected joy.

This story reminds us that life often doesn’t go according to plan. Despite our best efforts to create order and control, the unpredictable always finds a way to surprise us. In those moments, we’re forced to ask: How do I respond when life doesn’t go as expected?

The answer lies in wisdom. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s uncertainties skillfully and faithfully, relying on God rather than ourselves. But what is wisdom? And how do we grow in it?

---

Defining Wisdom and Proverbs

Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is godly insight that enables us to live well in God’s world. It involves applying truth to life in a way that honors God and benefits others. Wisdom recognizes the limitations of our understanding and trusts God’s infinite perspective instead.

The book of Proverbs serves as a guide to gaining wisdom. But what is a proverb? A proverb is a short, memorable saying that conveys general truth, practical advice, or a moral lesson. Proverbs distill life’s complexities into nuggets of truth, making them easy to remember and apply.

For example:

• “Actions speak louder than words” reminds us that deeds carry more weight than promises.
• “A stitch in time saves nine” encourages addressing problems early to avoid bigger issues later.

The proverbs in Scripture are unique because they are inspired by God and rooted in His character. They provide wisdom for living in a way that aligns with His will and brings glory to His name.

---

Wisdom: God’s Design for Living

God desires that His people live with wisdom. From the beginning, God’s law and His Word were designed to guide His people—not merely as rules to follow but as wisdom to meditate on. The book of Proverbs encapsulates this divine guidance, offering timeless truths for every season of life.

Proverbs 9:11-12 highlights the benefits of wisdom: a longer, fuller life marked by healthier relationships and sound decisions. Wisdom protects us from unnecessary risks and destructive choices, enriching our lives in ways we can’t always measure.

If wisdom is so valuable, how do we grow in it? Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us three steps: lean on God, learn His will, and leave sin behind.

---

Step 1: Lean on God (Proverbs 3:5)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.”

Trusting God begins with humility—acknowledging that our perspective is limited while God’s is infinite. Just as we wouldn’t lean on a weak crutch, we must not rely on our flawed understanding. Instead, we lean on God, trusting Him for wisdom, truth, and guidance.

Peter reinforces this in 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God...casting all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” Trust requires surrender, believing that God cares for us and will provide what we need.

---

Step 2: Learn God’s Will (Proverbs 3:6)

“In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Part of humility is realizing that our way is not always the best way. Paul emphasizes this in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Renewing our minds means seeing the world from God’s perspective—understanding His definition of good and evil and committing to live accordingly. This requires immersing ourselves in Scripture and allowing God’s truth to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

---

Step 3: Leave Sin Behind (Proverbs 3:7)

“Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Wisdom demands that we leave sin behind. Sin blinds us to God’s will and damages our relationship with Him. Paul’s words in Colossians 3:5 are clear: “Put to death what belongs to your earthly nature.”

Sin often stems from pride—trusting our wisdom instead of God’s. But to live wisely, we must fear the Lord, submit to His authority, and reject what He calls evil. This requires a daily commitment to pursue holiness and align our lives with His will.

---

The Call to Trust God

To live with wisdom, we must trust God more than ourselves. This means leaning on Him, learning His will, and leaving sin behind. Wisdom doesn’t come by accident; it requires intentionality and effort.

Thankfully, God promises to provide wisdom to those who seek it. James 1:5 encourages us: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”

---

Final Thought

The very first sin in the Garden of Eden was humanity’s choice to rely on their own wisdom instead of trusting God. That choice led to brokenness. Yet through Christ, we are invited to return to God’s wisdom, trusting Him fully and following His ways.

Let’s commit to cultivating hearts ready to grow in wisdom. Together, we can embrace the life God intended—leaning on Him, learning His will, and leaving sin behind.