Stepping Stones: Persistence vs. Perfection

Transformational Tip
God not only accepts you for who you are...He loves you as you are. Many times we have the unrealistic expectation of perfection of ourselves...we think we need to be perfect for God to love us. Not true. God wants persistence from us, not perfection. Don't confuse sadness for not loving us. God is sad when we wander from His will or sin, but His love endures forever...no matter what...He promises. Remember that Christ died a criminal's death so that He might adorn us with His perfection.
The penalty for setting perfection as a goal is self-rejection.
Today, whenever your attention wanders away from God and His lenses, just specifically bring your attention back to Him. Judge yourself through His lenses to correct and bring hope. Do not judge yourself or express disappointment about your wandering to condemn...that response will only distract you more. The evil one's main job is distraction...your main job is focusing on you Lord and God...it's a continuous battle, but one you are equipped to be victorious in. Persistently going to Him and His word will be richly rewarded.

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven,
I am so relieved that you accept my persistence and do not reject me for my many failures. I am both amazed and ashamed that I allow my mind to wander so far from You so quickly. When I find this happening (again!), my natural reaction is to feel discouraged with myself. I pray that You help me take constant control of my mind. Help me toward my never-ending goal of attaining the "Mind of Christ. " I thank You Lord for accepting me and loving me as I am...in all my imperfections.
I pray in the name of Your Son, my Savior, and the Perfecter of my salvation - AMEN!

The Truth
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Romans 2:7
Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4