How can recognizing limits in human perfection enhance our spiritual growth? A boundary we all meet Psalm 119:96 says, “I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.” • The psalmist observes that every human attempt at “perfection” eventually bumps into a wall. • God’s commands, however, stretch out beyond that wall—completely reliable, fully sufficient, never outdated. Why acknowledging limits matters • Keeps us humble (Romans 3:23). • Protects us from self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14). • Opens our ears to correction (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Turns our confidence from self to Christ (Philippians 3:8-9). • Positions us to receive grace: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). How limitations push us toward God’s Word • Scripture supplies what human wisdom can’t (Psalm 19:7-8). • God’s promises outlast fading human accomplishments (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24-25). • The living Word exposes and heals our shortcomings (Hebrews 4:12-13). Practical steps to grow through our limits 1. Admit specific areas where you fall short; name them before God. 2. Replace self-reliance with deliberate trust: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 3. Memorize verses that reveal God’s sufficiency (e.g., Psalm 73:26; John 15:5). 4. Seek counsel and accountability—God often meets our need through the body of Christ (Galatians 6:2). 5. Celebrate progress without pretending it’s perfection (Philippians 3:12-14). Living in the tension: content yet pressing on • Content: Rest in Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 10:14). • Pressing on: Pursue holiness because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). • When you stumble, draw near, not back (James 4:6-8). Looking ahead to ultimate perfection • Present limits remind us perfection is promised, not yet possessed (1 John 3:2-3). • Hope fuels perseverance: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). • One day the boundary line disappears; until then, each limit is an invitation to deeper dependence on the limitless Word and unending grace of God. |
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