Do you ever think about doing something new but never go through with it? I do. I’ll look at a new knitting project and get started, but when I hit something unfamiliar, I often stop and put the project aside. I currently have 3 knitting projects that are almost done, but I keep hesitating because the next step is either new territory or unsure ground. I’m afraid I won’t do it right or that it won’t look perfect. I want it perfect the first time. I don’t want to risk making a mistake, which is silly because the only way to learn is by making mistakes, and in the end nothing is ever “perfect” as the world understands the word.
People have a warped understanding of what the word perfect means. The world considers perfect to mean without flaws, like a super model gracing the cover of a magazine. However, that super model is not perfect. Most covers have been photo shopped or airbrushed to make it look “perfect.” That is not what Paul means when he says,
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).
In this scripture, the first mistake people make is assuming Paul means the worldly definition of perfect. The word perfect actually is defined as complete or mature, not without fault. As long as we live in earthly bodies we will never be perfect in that sense because we live in a fallen world; however, we can be complete. The second part to notice is it says perfect “in Christ Jesus.” We are only complete when we are in Christ Jesus because He is what makes us complete. It is His work in us that completes or perfects us and not anything we do ourselves. So, stop trying to be perfect in the world’s eyes and focus on Christ. Once you accept Christ, perfection is a done deal. All you have to do is let him do His work in you.
With that in mind, I have 3 knitting projects I am moving forward on so that they will be complete. Once they are done, they will then be perfect even if they aren’t perfect. Don’t let fear of failure or mistakes keep you from moving forward and stepping out into the unknown. You may not be flawless, no one ever is, but you can be complete and enjoy the freedom to explore the new avenues that God will open up once you let go of the fear of failure and allow yourself to make mistakes. It isn’t the end of the world; it’s just the beginning of something new.