This is the second week of our new series of messages on "perfectionism" and my tweeting on Twitter. Thanks to all of you who already "follow" me, and I invite others to join in -- Gray Norsworthy@GrayNors. It has been fun to watch this growing online dialogue in which folks are doing things like sending me some great articles they found on the struggle to be perfect. Others have commented on Sunday's sermon and the worship service. Still others have passed along their thoughts sparked by something they heard.
 
While I was working on my sermon yesterday, a thought crossed my mind. Here it is: We are perfecting ourselves to death. So, I decided to tweet it out to see what people thought. Actually, it could mean a lot of things. For example, does it mean we are so caught up in trying to be perfect all of the time and that is burning us out? Are we too caught up in self-help books and programs that promise Ten Steps to Having the Perfect . . .  you fill in the blank? Are we constantly comparing ourselves to someone else who appears to be "perfect" in some way - looks, relationship, lifestyle, kids? Is trying to keep up with them killing us? Or, is there something deeper that connects being perfect with taking up our cross and dying to sin?
 
As we talked about last Sunday, the words of Jesus to "Be perfect" are not some impossible ideal no one can attain, but an on-going, life-long maturing process filled with ups and downs. As we will say again and again in the coming weeks, No one is perfect . . . except Jesus. So, unless our name is "Jesus the Christ" then neither are we. But, we are loved by God and that is all that really matters.
 
If you have some thoughts about this you want to put out there, then go to #beyeperfect on Twitter and start a conversation with others. Together, we imperfect people might have some wisdom and encouragement we can share with each other. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  -1 Thessalonians. 5:11, NIV

Prayer for Today
 
Gracious God, only Jesus was perfect - and that was enough. Help us to love one another as we echo Your perfect love for us. In the strong name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.