Each of us has an idea of an ideal moment. It might be a meaningful conversation, a celebration of a success, or an event that marks a new beginning. However, when it comes to each of us being perfect that goal can be far more elusive. In many ways aiming for perfection is admirable. Having high expectations or setting high standards creates the atmosphere for greatness to emerge. But when what we’ve planned comes short of grand, discouragement can quickly set in.

Such was the case a few of weeks ago as I prepared for a very important presentation. I worked tirelessly to insure that every nuance of this project would be a hit. However, the blood vessels in my left eye were not aware of my meeting or its significance. One of them decided to rupture leaving one-half of my eye bright red.

“…life is a journey of faith points and not just some sudden stop at perfection.”

After a visit to the doctor I was relieved it was not serious. But I admit I was hoping she would prescribe an uber version of Visine to restore my eye back to its red-less state. She assured me no such cure existed. It appeared my best efforts to look my best were being thwarted by circumstances completely out of my control. Even if my presentation and my attire were impressive, I felt like my imperfect eye would be the real show stopper.

A week later, the meeting came and went but my concern about my eye’s appearance lingered. Thankfully, I was reminded of a Bible verse that encourages us to go from faith to faith. Roman 1:17 informs us that life is a journey of faith points and not just some sudden stop at perfection.

There is an important distinction between perfection and faith points. Perfection denotes that which is without flaw or failure. Faith implies that which focuses on God — the only One who is perfect. The pursuit of perfection can lead to bondage if we obsess over our performance and discount the importance of trusting Him. Faith, however, can lead to excellence which is a standard that is achieved when we make His priorities our focus.

If you step into the pitfall of perfection this week here’s some good news. The redness has disappeared and my eye has returned to its former glory. However, the greater glory lies in the reminder I received that faith frees me from perfection. Whenever I face a challenge or a task, trusting God with the process and the outcome can become the real show stopper. It will stop my anxiety and it will stop any notion that God is looking for a perfect performance by me. By His grace we can all go from faith to faith which frees us from the perfection to frustration trap each time.

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” — Romans 1:17 NLT