Christian Perfection compared to a crayon?

[HeatherJay]

So, in my search for understanding on the issue of entire sanctification I heard this explanation (actually a nutshell version of it). Perhaps someone more knowledgable than myself can tell me if this is an accurate thought.

Picture a crayon from a child's school box...slightly used, paper torn. Would you say that it's a perfect crayon?

Well, if you think like me, you might say no, it's not a perfect crayon. It's been worn down, the tip is not sharp, it has fingernail marks in it. It's not perfect, in my mind, because it's not exactly as it was upon it's creation at the crayon factory.

But, maybe my definition of perfection is a bit skewed. Maybe I should judge the crayon based not upon its appearance, but upon it's ability to do the job for which it was created. If I think of it in that way, then maybe it's closer to perfect than I originally thought. Because, regardless of its flawed appearance, it's capable of making the same beautiful pictures as a brand new crayon straight from the factory.

So in regards to Christian perfection, we should focus not on our human limitations (sinful nature), but upon our God-given ability to do the job for which we were created...and with the help of the Holy Spirit, the pictures we create can be just as beautiful as the examples set for us by Jesus.

Okay, now someone tell me, is that accurate thinking or am I way off? It's something that my pastor touched upon a few weeks ago and I got caught up in the whole crayon analogy...anyway, help!

Love, Heather

 

[IKTCA]

Amen, Sister Heather.

After reading your message, I thought about it a while. And I learned something new that I would like to share with you.

I do not even judge myself. (1 Corinthians 4:3)

I see the essence of your message is that a believer moves his focus from crayon (self) to the One who created it. I believe Paul's confession teaches me the same. He could focus on his faults and judge himself. But, he focused on the Creator and followed him as best as he could.

When I see my blemishes, perfection seems impossible, not even worth trying. But when I see my Lord Jesus, I see only perfect love, and a desire swells in my heart to be like him. I do not care any more whether my brothers point their fingers at me or not. I see only my Lord and move closer to him.

As you receive messages from the Lord, continue to share them with me. I ask the Lord to bless you as your message blessed me. Amen.

Rupert

 

[HeatherJay]

Thanks, Rupert. This is something that I'm really trying hard to understand...lol, reading back through the OP, it sounds a little simple and silly (and I'm not entirely sure that it accurately applies to the Wesleyan idea of Holiness...it quite confuses me when I think too hard about it). But, as you said, it's so much easier to reach the goal God has for us if we know where to focus. You've given me more to ponder.

 

[adamdavid]

Hmm... its a cute thought... and its on the right track... I wouldn't call it a perfect analogy, however (no pun intended... ), because the state of the crayon's perfection remains the same... as we grow in our relationship with and our understanding of Christ, we should constantly be doing an even better job of what God put us here to do - reach others with His message of love and grace...

Just my two cents...
AdamDavid

 

[HeatherJay]

LOL, "cute" implies to me a slight level of condescension, but I won't be offended as I KNOW it's overly simplified...I mean, CRAYONS??? Come on!!

Do you believe in entire sanctification? What I'm looking for is understanding and insight into just what is expected when it comes to the Wesleyan idea of 'holiness', or 'Christian perfection'. Yes, I do agree that's it's an ongoing journey bringing us nearer to God.

Love, Heather

 

[IKTCA]

My Dear Sister Heather,

It is good to have the desire to understand holiness and perfection. It is God who gave you the desire. He will also give you the answer.

That we be holy and perfect are Lord's commands. As we try ever so little each time to obey the commands, we will come closer to the understanding of Christian holiness and perfection, for we learn only by obeying. Human words always fail to give us full understanding.

I hope you reach the understanding soon and share with us.

Rupert

 

[vibrant]

recently saw a thread debating whether we could be sinless and perfect, and i'm thinking that this takes our focus away from what's really important -- it's no longer about the Law, but about Love. it's no longer about keeping the commandments, but entering into a relationship with our Creator.

there are days when i think that i haven't sinned. then i frown, and make myself try to come up with something, finally settling on pride for thinking i could be sinless, or for not doing something... but however many laws i uphold, Jesus could show me how short i have fallen from the glory of God, like He did with the pharisees -- you think not stabbing someone prevents you commiting murder, well there are many ways to kill a man, such as hate; you think abstaining from sexual relations with another woman is all that it takes to keep from committing adultery, think again. you can follow the Law to a tee, yet still fall short because you haven't developped a sensitivity to it that transcends the mere letter of Law.

instead of being caught up in the Law, which sets the standard and shows us how far we can't reach, we're supposed to turn our heart, mind, and strength to loving God and loving others as ourselves (and thus, we truly fulfill the spirit of the Law). dying to ourselves, we let Christ live through us, and we'll receive fruits of His Spirit, against which there isn't a law, and a sinful lifestyle looses it's attraction -- we act Christ-like, not because there are laws demanding certain actions, but because there this love that's in our heart that we can't contain, it just overflows. does that mean you've stopped sinning and are now perfect? that's not what it's about anymore, that's not our focus as Christians. we're not trying to justify ourselves. we've stopped trying and just focus on God.

i was recently reading about how people have trouble balancing our creation because we're made out of dust but made in the image of God. there's a tendancy to go extreme either way, either reducing us to insignifcant, depraved creatures or self-deification. instead we should just forget ourselves and focus on God.