Can You Be Perfect?

"Can You Be Perfect?" That is the million dollar question right there, and I’m going to answer it for you.

Yes, you can be perfect! What we can never do is be sinless. You see, these are two different things, with two different meanings. In other words, apples and oranges are not the same fruit. They are both round, and both considered fruits, but they are totally different in every way.

The following passage is just one example that we can be perfect and we should strive to be.

“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.” -Daniel 6:4

What? A perfect human being? And we know for sure it’s true as he was one of three governors in the entire kingdom, written in history. He lived, was real, and lived a perfect life before GOD.

The next question then must be asked how could he live such a life? He went down in history having this reputation?

That’s easy to answer, too. Let’s look at the reason, “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm," (Daniel 6:3)

Did you all catch that? “Because an excellent spirit was upon him!” You see, when you have the Spirit of GOD on your life, everything you do is perfect, right, and righteous. You move with the mind of GOD. We take the mind of CHRIST. His SPIRIT leads, guides, and HE makes our path straight before us. You can’t mess up if GOD’s Spirit is on you! So plain, so clear, and so simple.

Next question. How come people aren’t perfect then? I know, I know, I’m getting myself in so much deep water now. It’s up to my mouth. I’m about to be drowned by some. Oh well, did I mention I compare myself to Abraham and Daniel? I’m not budging! Daniel followed GOD. He never compromised. He never allowed those around him to influence him. He never chose to sin, and do evil before GOD. Get this point clearly. He never chose to sin. You want to be perfect? Make a choice to do what is right. Allow me to say, “I do not understand why this is so difficult?”

Let me tell you. You will be hated for doing what is right. Lets take a closer look at this passage.

“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” -Daniel 6:4-5

Listen please, you will always be attacked because of your faith in GOD. The moment you take a stand for what is sinful, GOD gets attacked. Your faith gets attacked. You don’t love, you don’t show mercy, you don’t bow down to “their gods.” Please understand, “their gods” I’m talking about isn’t their religion. It’s their ideas, thoughts, and sinful and evil ways. I’m not taking religion here. I’m talking people’s attitudes, opinions, thoughts, and ideas to do that which is sin.

I’m sorry, I don’t mean to offend anyone, but I can’t stand when someone says or preaches off the pulpit, “I’m not perfect. You're not perfect!” I'm sorry but that's not Biblically correct. Say what is truly real. “I’m a sinful person and so are you!” Ah, but then we have to admit we are sinful people, and that’s not sexy enough to preach!

Justin and I are writing a book on the life of Daniel. I did this on purpose. I asked Justin to join me. I want Justin, and all of those who follow me on our blog to think for yourselves. Please pick up the Word of GOD, please go home and read for yourself what you just heard preached and make sure it goes with the Word of GOD.

I’m here to tell you to line yourself up with GOD and GOD alone. Be a Daniel to the people around you, and to your generation. Bring up Daniels. Daniel was thrown into a lions den when he was in his eighties, and GOD shut the mouths of the lions. Those who set him up along with their families ended up being eaten.

You see, Daniel had made up his mind to live a life of perfection. He demonstrated well, and yes, we can be perfect. He decided to follow GOD and not care about what others thought. He didn’t run scared, hide under anything, complain how hard it was, or gave up. He stayed the course, and he was protected, vindicated, and respected in the end.

If we don’t want to learn from Daniel. Let us take the straight command coming from JESUS Himself. “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect,” (Mathew 6:48).

Seriously, friends, we have no excuse to stand on whatsoever. I know this is not popular what I just wrote. However, we can’t eat chocolate all day long and expect to feel great. I run, and I am serious about it. My children will tell you that if I’ve not eaten right, I can’t exercise. If I do, I’m ready to faint. I have to eat properly or my body can’t take the strain of a five mile run! It’s the same spiritually. If your not studying for yourself (notice I’m saying again for yourself) you are not going to be able to stand under pressure. Then, you will sin. And you can’t excuse it by saying, “Hey, I’m not perfect and neither are you!” I hate that phrase by the way. How dare you add, “neither are you perfect.”

I’m going to challenge you today. My challenge will make you smarter, and empower you. It will give you the same Spirit of Excellence Daniel had. The Spirit of GOD brings you into greatness. Don’t ever forget this truth. Therefore, my challenge is to read the book of Daniel for yourself and study it. Ask GOD to give you that same Spirit. I’m so sure about this.

So many live in misery because of the choices you have made and continue to make. Break the chains and set yourself free. Don’t believe the lie, “You are not perfect and it’s ok!” It’s absolutely not true. Dream bigger for yourself, and never compromise in any way, shape, or form. GOD honors those who honor Him. It doesn’t matter what those who choose to live imperfect lives have to say or the plots they plot against you. They will fall into their own traps. But you will be blessed, and impact this world of ours with truth, honor, integrity, character, and lighting the way for those who know you and those who come behind you, your children.

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

REFLECTIONS: There is freedom in submitting yourself to Christ because obedience to Christ is better than sacrifice. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise," (Psalm 51:17 BSB). "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God," (Micah 6:8 ESV). "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul," (Deuteronomy 10:12 BSB). "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings," (Hosea 6:6 NLT). "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men,'" (Acts 5:29 ESV). Seek God's approval in all you do, not men's approval. If you are going to seek the approval and accolades of men, then you are NOT a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are my Shepherd, and I follow You and You alone. Help me to always remember to walk upright before You, careful to follow Your instructions, and walking the path You have lit up before me. Help to remember You are not impressed with pretense and hypocrisy, and that because of You I am able to be perfect just as You are perfect. Thank You for empowering me with Your Holy Spirit to live a life pleasing to You as a pleasing aroma, living a blameless and righteous life before You. Let me always maintain my integrity, to live for You no matter where I am and no matter who I'm with. I give You all the honor and glory for You are the Great God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

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