Today I opened the bible to 1 Cor. 12:1-11. As I pondered the message, I felt relieved. It dawned on me that I presently experience a sense of freedom as a result of my daily spiritual practices and this passage expresses a concept I recently came to grips with. Let me explain.
I have spent many years of my life striving for perfection. I worked hard at my studies to obtain perfect grades, to make it to the top (society’s definition of success), I did all I could to be the perfect daughter, wife, friend, sister, aunt & Christian, just to name a few. I wanted to be good at everything – cooking, cleaning, baking, exercising – and I wanted to do it all! Looking back, I realize that my effort was an exercise in futility! Who was I kidding? Not only is seeking perfection NOT my purpose, it’s just not doable. We, as humans, will NEVER be able to meet our own expectations, let alone someone else’s!
I have to admit, for many years my life was spent in competition. I felt like I had to be better than everyone at everything, but that was my ego holding me captive. I can’t remember exactly when I had the epiphany, but one day I decided to give up the fight. I realized that I wasn’t, nor did I have to be, better at anything. I have been blessed with my own gifts and talents, which no one else in this world possesses and it is my job to discern what they are and use them to the best of my ability.
I believe, this scripture passage is telling us just that – don’t try to be something you’re not, don’t try to be like someone else – if you are, you’re wasting the gifts and talents that only you possess. Paul tells us “to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” In other words, use YOUR God given gifts, they were given for a purpose. Focus your attention on what that purpose is, instead of focusing on being someone you weren’t meant to be.
Acknowledging that I don’t need to do it all, that I don’t need to be perfect, has provided me the time and space to discern my purpose in this life. It has given me the opportunity to be truly present and aware whatever the circumstance. What a blessing- it’s like putting on a new set of eyes and ears!
What can we take away from all this? We are all unique beings. In our separateness we represent variety, but it is only through our UNITY that we can attempt perfection! We are being called to perfection, united in one Spirit! God bless you!
P.S. – As I was surfing the web looking for good messages and sites to share, I stumbled upon kindspring.org, a site dedicated to spreading kindness. Check it out, become a member, take a challenge, share and earn some smiles and karmabucks! It’s very encouraging! Great for kids!
Only God is perfect! We are called to continue “to do the work.” Not easy in our busy lives. Not easy to give ourselves a break and to. remember that we are only human. But we must continue to connect to God and find time to pray and get some quiet time with God. And we must try to do good works, too! Love your posts! Lots to ponder.