Perfection

Perfection

 

 

It’s something we all desire.  It’s something many seek.  It’s something unattainable as a result of our fallen nature. The world is teaching “nobody’s perfect,” and “just accept people the way they are,” but since when is it okay to disregard our morality and replace it with acceptance?  You see, that’s where the world separates from the Christian faith.  This may come as a surprise to some, but interestingly enough, Christ actually asks us, as Christ-followers, to be perfect.  In Matthew 5:48 Jesus states, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.” The first time I read these words, quite frankly, I was confused.  Jesus is asking of us something beyond our own capability.  He was well aware of the fact that we are all born into sin, yet He boldly instructed us to “be perfect.”  Why would God ask us to do something; to be something we cannot possibly attain? 

The truth: God is perfect.

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless Psalm 18:30

Although this point is basic, it is essential to remember when we analyze Matthew 5:48.  If Christ was the only perfect one, Jesus was essentially calling us to do everything we can to live our lives as He did.  The word Christian is literally defined as, “one who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.”  If Jesus was and is perfect and it is our calling to be like Him, we are essentially living our lives in pursuit of perfection.

The truth: Working towards perfection can be a healthy thing.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

To make myself clear, I am not suggesting perfectionism; which is the very unhealthy tendency of nitpicking every minor detail. Rather, a pursuit of perfection. It is necessary that we constantly seek to be like the only man ever to be perfect; Christ.  God has asked us to seek this goal, and by doing so we will grow spiritually, become more Christ-like, and increase our impact on others.

The truth: God works amidst our imperfections.

If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us 2 John 4:12

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

As stated earlier, God knows we can’t be perfect.  He absolutely wants us to strive for perfection, but He is able to do incredible things despite the areas where we fall short. I love the verses listed above because it gives me hope.  When I try my very best to follow Christ and still fall short, God will perfect the inadequate parts of me.

In essence, following Christ is a constant pursuit of perfection; and what better person to lead than the one and only Perfect One! Sure, we may fall short sometimes, but nonetheless it is necessary that we continue this pursuit.  When we become comfortable and complacent with our imperfections, we begin to lose sight of the goal.  As contradictory as it may seem to mankind, we are in fact expected to strive for perfection.  It is this pursuit which will propel us from a lukewarm Christian to one which truly models what Christ has represented all along.

Until next time,

-Tamara

"The Haitian Sensation"

 

Please excuse the quotations throughout the story, it was created for an English assignment.  However, I hope you enjoy as my story takes you back to a trip I took Spring of last year: Haiti 2012.

 The Haitian Sensation

 

 Tamara Sturdivant

5/22/13

 

 

The plane had just landed in Port au Prince, Haiti.  There was a deep anticipation in us all.  We all had expectations; expectations of how we would serve, and how we would make a difference in the lives of Haitians…but none of us knew the lifelong impact it would have on us. 

                The journey began as we drove along the seemingly endless, bumpy road, looking out to a world that seemed surreal.  The things we saw were heart-breaking.   The destruction seemed beyond repair, but what truly hurt was to see the hunger in the eyes of those walking the streets.  This hunger, however, was one that could not be fulfilled by food alone.  Their eyes looked like lamps blaring up just before the oil is gone (As I Lay Dying.)  An overwhelming sense of hopelessness enveloped my being, and I began to wonder how Haiti arrived at this point of devastation. 

                It’s been said before that however long the moon disappears, someday it must shine again (Little Bee.) I believe this glimmer of hope began to arise as we arrived at our destination; Les Cayes Beach.  Without a single word spoken, the atmosphere was evidently different in this particular area.  The physical devastation was still present, but as we exited the car we were greeted immediately with eager, young, smiling faces.  These strangers were clearly impacted by something; something greater than the devastation of torn down shacks they called homes; something greater than the pain they’ve faced.  God had clearly impacted their lives through the ministry on that beach, and I couldn’t wait to see what more He would do in the week we would be spending there.

                We began our first day with a service the missionary’s hold weekly, called “Kids Kabob,” or “Kids Club.”  I watched from a bench, kids on each side of me, as the faces of each child began to light up with joy.  This presence of sheer joy began to shake me.  I started to question.  If they have happiness in the midst of the seemingly unbearable struggles they must face every single day, how is it that I feel justified to complain about the most insignificant things?  It’s simply not right.  Living in such a superficial part of the world, it’s natural to be one who is always “hurrying to catch up, missing the point of things that everyone else grasps at once,” (Teenage Wasteland.) In other words, it’s easy to make the mistake of keeping up with trends and fads, complaining about miniscule things, and ultimately missing the important things in life.   Seeing the joy in the children of Haiti was a wake-up call out of this empty lifestyle.  As the service continued on, hands of little children fell into my own, and my heart began to shift.  My mindset that week was to impact the lives of Haitians, yet in the first night they had already changed me.

                The week went by, and we spent much of our time building, painting, and serving.  We completed an extension to their main service building, we built, sanded, and painted dozens of benches, and we spent time loving, and playing with the children.  Each activity was something I had an expectation for.  What I didn’t know, however, was that the most life-changing experience was yet to come.

It was the final evening of our time in Haiti when a little girl grabbed hold of me and did not let go the entire night.  She looked like a statue that had been rescued from the sea…smooth where I had angles and soft where I was bone,” (Saving Sourdi.)  She had a type of innocence about her yet, like many in her country, had endured much pain.  Naturally, I am not a touchy-feely person, but this girl needed me to hold on to her.  We couldn’t speak the same language, and we didn’t come from the same background.  We had never met before, and I was to be leaving in a day.   Nonetheless, we understood each other.  Saying nothing sometimes says the most (Emily Dickinson.)  Her eyes told her story, and I answered with a smile.  I began to see the love she and many other children craved.  Although I didn’t know what she had been through, I knew that in that moment, I could comfort her.  She sat close by my side the entire evening, and I wondered how I would ever say goodbye.  The uniqueness of moment, though, is that I will always hold this little girl close to me.  I may not physically be there with her in Haiti, but I carry her heart with me—I carry it in my heart (e e Cummings.)

                As the night ended and the kids began to return to their homes, I knew I would not be seeing them for a very long time, if ever again.  The truth is, I hope God used me to make a difference in their lives, but I know He used them to make a difference in mine.  Not only have they given me a deeper appreciation for the blessings in my life, but they have taught me how to have joy, even in the midst of disaster.  I look back at the memories spent in Haiti, and remember.  You see, the thing about remembering is that you don’t forget (The Things They Carried.) I remember the physical devastation.  I remember the shacks.  I remember the people walking the streets.  I remember the joy.  I remember the pain.  I remember the hope.  As Robert Frost once stated, “Hope is not found in a way out but a way through.”  Although tragic, the struggles many Haitians faced led them to rely on hope in a Savior that has the power to change any circumstance. No skill in the world, nothing human can penetrate the [bright] future of Haiti (Oedipus.)  I can only imagine what great things may become of Haiti as a result of a small group of people on a beach in Les Cayes, but I know it will forever have a place in my heart.  I may never return to Haiti, but perhaps one day, when we all reach our eternal home, we may meet again.  To die, to sleep, to sleep, perchance to dream…for in this sleep of death what dreams may come (Hamlet.)

 



Perspective

Perspective

 

 

Opinions, biases, prejudices, assumptions. They’re everywhere, right? We all have one set of eyes, and will naturally see from one point of view.  But somehow, we are ALL right, right? Wrong.  With the limited insight we, as humans, have, it is nearly impossible to be right about everyone and everything.  The truth is, we see things wrong sometimes.  We judge people.  We label others.  We stereotype.  I’m guilty, and if I were to guess, many of you are as well!  The good news is our perspective is not one we must rely on.

The truth: God’s perspective provides insight which goes far beyond the human eye.

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. Psalm 147:5

For He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. Job 28:24

When we begin to pray to see from God’s point of view rather than our own, we gain understanding and insight.  There are so many things we fail to see as humans, and we often judge based on these false pretenses.  However, God does see the whole picture, and with prayer He can begin to reveal to us the truth in many situations.

The truth: Our seemingly omniscient view is often flawed, and obstructs truth.

Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3

Assuming we’re right can be a dangerous thing.  If you were simply to ask two different people what went down after a crime scene, they are likely to respond completely differently from one another.  Although they may think they are both telling the truth, some of their information given is likely to be inaccurate.  In the same sense, when we look at things simply from our point of view, we tend to miss many key factors, and may even make assumptions that are completely inaccurate.  These choices only lead us further from the truth, and hinder us from reaching the true issue (whatever it may be.)

The truth: Sensitivity to God’s insight opens many doors.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Although vague, this truth is essential.  When we hide behind our own views, we distort the world.  We see people incorrectly, and miss opportunities.  Whether it be an opportunity for a relationship, or something much greater, when we begin to focus on God’s perspective rather than our own, revelations occur. People seem different.  Suddenly, our opinions begin to diminish, and the pains, misunderstandings, and truths about others become clearer.

As the verse states, “Any of you who lacks wisdom…ask, and it will be given to you!”  God will guide us and alter our perspective to fit the truth, we simply must ask.

I encourage you to begin to re-focus your perspective.  Are you seeing, judging, and assuming based on your own thoughts?  Or are you truly searching to see it the way God sees it? 

Until next time…

-Tamara

Fear

Fear

 

 

Fear: a crippling, gut wrenching uneasiness; a restlessness that infects your mind, body, and emotions.  Fear can be created by the most simple, insufficient things, yet has a stronghold that can overtake you if you’re not intentional about seeking the Savior in the midst of it all.  When I was a little girl, I can remember lying in my bed at night, paralyzed with fear. Sure, looking back, the things I was afraid of were probably rather insufficient and dramatic, but it didn’t matter.  The fear I faced was incredibly real.  I distinctly remember feeling as though I literally could not move because I was too afraid to.  Although being older, we may not frequently face this extreme degree of fear; it is metaphorical to the distress we so often may feel in everyday situations. There are ways to avoid fear, and there are ways to ignore fear, but I only know of One who can destroy it.

The truth: Fear is a choice.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

 Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life Hebrews 2:14-15 (MSG)

It’s easy to fall into the trap of fear.  If you let it, fear can completely overtake your being.  On the contrary, the Bible specifically states (hundreds of times, might I add) that we don’t have to fear. Rather, we can dwell in the safety of the Lord. The simple awareness of God’s presence brings a peace greater than our own understanding.  God died for our freedom, and by simply seeking his presence He offers us this peace. Fear is, in fact, a choice as a result of God’s sacrifice.  I don’t know about you, but I think that offer sounds pretty good!

The truth: Acting in spite of fear is POWERFUL.

 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Ephesians 6:11-12 (MSG)

Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you. Deuteronomy 3:22

Whatever your “them” in that last verse may be, it is clearly stated that if we stand up against fear, God will act on our behalf.  And from my experience, when God acts on my behalf, He moves in a powerful way!

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God has already overcome evil, so fear is such a miniscule battle we face.  God’s got your back, there’s no need to fear!

Back to my childhood story….

This fear I faced as a child, I was very blessed to have overcome.  Although my experience may not be considered a typical way God defeats fear, I have decided to share something that reminds me (and can remind you) that God really does care about our struggles, like fear.

As stated earlier, many nights I spent, restless and paralyzed with fear.  On one particular occasion, however, I was especially fearful.  I wanted to run to my parents, but was too scared to move.  Just then, I heard a comforting voice state, “Fear not, for the Lord your God is with you.” Instantly I felt a weight had been lifted off of me.  Peace enveloped my being.  I was calm, and I could rest.  I woke up the next morning, wondering where this voice came from.  The voice seemed to have been an angel speaking to me.  Whether or not that is true, God used those words to bring me peace. 

Although God may not always audibly free you from your fear, He is dying to take away your fear, too. Literally. (Sorry, this post was lacking humor… ;) )

With that, I close….

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

-Tamara

I Found Love

I Found Love

 

 

No, this is not what you’re thinking.  I’m not here to tell you about a new boyfriend in my life, and I’m not here to tell you that “Jesus is my bf!” I have entered a season in life where it’s very common for friends of mine to feel like they need a boyfriend/girlfriend; and there’s nothing wrong with wanting this.  Needing this, however, is a different story.  As I see people feeling depressed and unwanted simply because they don’t have a date to prom a significant other, it really bothers me.  When it comes down to it, we all want to be loved.  Romantically, respectfully, and admirably. However, somewhere along the way we have distorted this romantic love into a necessity for fulfillment.  Love is something we need, yes, but a boyfriend/girlfriend is not the only way to happiness and fulfillment.

The truth: You are loved.

Before dipping into the Word, can I remind you of something?  There are people who deeply love and care about you.  For some of us, this may mean our parents, others; a close friend or mentor.  Sure, this love is not romantic.  However, it is something we must cherish.  When it comes down to it, I’m a selfish, mistake-making, imperfect individual.  Yet I am loved.

Too often, we take a single person and label them as “unloved” or “undesirable” simply because of a relationship status.  Sounds silly, but I see people do it every day! In reality, a relationship status is rather irrelevant to the great value every person has.  And nothing demonstrates the value of every individual better than what God did for us.

We all know it, but just in case you forgot…

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

When you think about it, giving up a son is a huge sacrifice.  When I think of the people closest to me, I wonder if I could sacrifice like God did.  Nonetheless, He must have found us pretty important to give up the one dearest to Him.

The truth: Love is something exciting and fun, not something meant to tear you down.

In the beginning of Genesis, we observe that God created man, then created woman. As God says, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” God gave us the opportunity of this close companionship with a significant other, but He never states the necessity for this gift.  God will meet all our needs (Isaiah 41:10), romantic love is just a little bonus ;). So it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have that “special someone.”

The truth: Love is not meant for your decoration, but is a dedication; a declaration.

Often times, we want a boyfriend/girlfriend because they spice up our life.  They make us happy, they boost our self-esteem, or they improve our image.  But really, is that what love is about at all? 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.⁸ Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

When we search for love (romantically, or NOT romantically) in the ways the Bible describes, we find something entirely different than the butterflies or confidence we may receive from a so-called “decoration.”  Rather, we may recognize the people placed in our lives that have given us this great gift.  We recognize the gift of love God has given us. 

So truthfully, I have found love.  Whether or not romantic love comes, I have been blessed with love that’s far more fulfilling than any relationship.  God loved me so much, that He took the time to create me.  He made the sacrifice of His son to die for me.  And he did the same for you. Now that is love.

-Tamara

Sour Apple

Sour Apple

 

 

So I think it’s safe to assume that as human beings, we’ve all had a family member or friend do something or say something that just downright infuriates us.  I’m going to be real here and admit…when people make a mistake I’m not quick to get over it.  In fact, it’s one of the greatest challenges I face.  As I have gone through many experiences of this crippling anger, however, I begin to wonder if it’s really worth it.  When it comes down to it, my anger solves nothing.  Not only does it keep me from the joy God has for me, but it also seeps into the lives of others, pulling them down as well.

Although letting things go is something very difficult to do, I’ve found that holding onto them is actually a lot more painful.  The process of releasing your anger and forgiving has an end, whereas resentment and bitterness can tear you apart until there’s nothing left but a “sour apple.”  We’ve all met that person, the one who manages to pick out every single negative thing in life.  As I examine my own life, I see the risk of getting to that point.  Now I’m not there yet, but even if I was…there is always time to turn it all around. As you read on, I encourage you to examine your own life and come alongside me in a challenge to rid yourself of the “sourness.”

The truth: Anger can destroy you.

For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:20

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.  Psalm 37:8

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

Yikes, these are only a couple of the many verses I found on this topic.  I’m going to go ahead and conclude that anger is something that must NOT be disregarded.  It has the potential to lead one into bad behavior and sin.  Not only that, but the choice to be angry is a deliberate decision to go against the righteous will God has for our lives.

The truth: Judgment and correction are taken care of by God.

Romans 14:10-12 (MSG):

So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture:

“As I live and breathe,” God says,
“every knee will bow before me;
Every tongue will tell the honest truth
that I and only I am God.”

So tend to your knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.

So in the end, those who have hurt you are accountable for what they did.  Leave it to God to judge them, because it’s not our responsibility to “punish” the ones who hurt us.  Another point to take note of in this scripture is the statement that “all will face judgment.”  Ironically, we often try to attack those who have harmed us, when our anger towards them is also sinful (and will be judged by God) (Matthew 5:22.)  In a sense, doesn’t that make us just as guilty? Just a thought…

The truth: A constant attitude of forgiveness affects every aspect of life. 

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22

Just as anger/resentment can infect each element of your life, an attitude of forgiveness has the power to refresh and restore.  There’s a freedom that comes along with the decision to forgive, and this deliverance opens a door to whatever God may have in store for your life. When I think about it, there are probably several opportunities of spiritual growth I’ve missed simply because of sulking in my own bitterness. Anger is such a hindrance to growth, and its tight grip can pull us away from God’s plan. When it comes down to it, we can do one of two things: allow the grip of anger and bitterness to dictate our lives; or let it go and move forward.

What will you choose?

-Tamara

Worth Dying For

Worth Dying For

 

 

There are many people in this world.  There are many possessions we have.  But what would you really be willing to sacrifice your life for?  Would you endure excruciating pain to defend something important to you?  Lately, I’ve been reading the book “Radical,” by David Platt, and it’s really beginning to alter my perspective on my faith.  I’ve come to a point where God is so real to me, and He has become the focus in my life.  However, as I read this book I am faced with wonder.  I wonder…would I be willing to sneak to an underground church in a small town in China, risking being tormented the government for breaking the law? Would I be willing to give away ALL my possessions, like the guy in Mark 10, to honor my God? As questions like these envelop my mind, some truths about the church of today have become clear to me. 

The truth: The sacrificial lifestyle of a Christian is for today.

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

I’m not sure where or when perception got distorted, but God certainly isn’t lowering His standards as time goes by.  He asks that we, as disciples, are willing to sacrifice ourselves, our possessions, our everything for Him. And if were not willing to do that, then are we really being disciples at all?

The truth: Comfort = stagnancy.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13

¹⁵ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Matthew 3:15-16

As you can see, God likes them spicay Christians ;).  When we become content and stop stepping outside our comfort zone to draw nearer to Him, He gets bored!  I mean seriously…spitting out the “lukewarm?”  I do NOT want to be that person. If we fail to obey God when it gets a little uncomfortable, we’re taking a step in the wrong direction.

The truth: God is always by your side.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Things God asks of us can be scary, no doubt.  But even in the silence, he is still right by our side.  These verses (truths) are encouraging tools to remind us of God’s faithfulness.  Sure, sacrifice is painful.  Sacrifice is hard!  God does not ask us to endure it alone though. 

The truth: It’s worth it.

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Deuteronomy 28:1

Although the blessing is not the goal, giving everything to God in your life on earth does not go unnoticed. God keeps track of our every move, and will reward us for our sacrifice.

 

Now I’ll be real, the idea of giving up my life for my faith is something I am certainly still shaky on.  It’s very difficult to get away from the selfish part of me that helplessly values my own life.  When it comes down to it though, God truly is worth it all. I hope that as you read this you, too, are challenged to stretch your faith. I also encourage you to read the book “Radical.”  It will mess you up!

Until next time,

Tamara