I had the opportunity to participate in a podcast with my publisher Tyndale Momentum about the content of my book The Unveiled Wife: Embracing Intimacy With God And Your Husband. In the middle of it I said something I had never heard myself say before. It was inspiring to my faith and I hope by sharing it with you, it encourages you in your marriage.
Without even thinking it all the way through, these words tumbled out of my mouth,
There is no such thing as a perfect life, just a perfect Christ!”
As much as I desired to be perfect growing up and desperately wanted a perfect life and marriage, the reality I encountered as a wife is that there is no such thing as a perfect life! Every single one of us is imperfect, full of sin, and in need of a Savior. We are not perfect, our life cannot be perfect, and our marriages will never be “perfect.”
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23
However, as we abide in Christ we are clothed with His grace and righteousness. And He helps us not to fall into temptation as our flesh wants too.
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Romans 13:14
Because of the sin in this world, we may not have a perfect life, but we can strive toward perfection, toward Him who is perfect. As we submit to God and allow Him to take us on a journey of transformation where our character begins reflecting His perfect character, life is much better!
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:48
Scripture tells us to be perfect as God is perfect, but this is a process and a journey of transformation as we have a relationship with Him who is perfect. “Be” is not a statement of fact as much as it is an action word asking you to do and put forth effort and energy…to be.
For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. – Hebrews 10:14
Through Christ alone God makes us perfect and holy!
Regardless of the growth we experience, we will always face conflict, tension, hardship, and circumstances that test our faith. This is a good thing! The friction reminds us to rely on God to help us through. If life was perfect we would have no need of God. We would forget to consider Him and move toward Him.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21
Also, please acknowledge the truth that this applies to EVERYONE! Do not get caught up thinking that the book cover you saw, the Instagram photo you saw, or the video you watched of someone else proves that they have a “perfect” life. If you convince yourself to believe that, you will welcome thoughts of discontentment or you will reason why life is not fair for you. No matter what you think you see, the truth is that everyone is imperfect, except Christ.
If you desire to have a perfect life, the best thing to do is have an intimate relationship with God and make it a priority! By doing so, you will notice that it will help you embrace true intimacy with your husband as well!