Progress Over Perfection - The Crosswalk Devotional - May 23
Progress Over Perfection
By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:14-15 NLT
Reluctantly, I stepped on the scale. I already knew the number would be higher than I’d hoped. Sighing, I shuffled towards the kitchen, poured my coffee, and scanned the pantry. Last week, I failed miserably at making good food choices. Does it matter what I choose now? Even if I make the right choice now, I will likely slip up later and have to start over again.
A few weeks prior, my doctor suggested that I try a low-inflammation diet since I was experiencing a great deal of joint pain. If you aren’t familiar with this diet, it means avoiding sugar. And while I don’t have an overly sweet tooth, I enjoy ice cream after a long day, a bowl of cereal as a midnight snack, or a freshly baked pastry with my morning cup of Joe. For the most part, after the first few days, I found that it wasn’t challenging for me to avoid sugar, especially since my cravings were almost non-existent.
It had been almost a month without anything sweet when I saw my daughter munching on my favorite candy. I thought, “It wouldn't hurt just to have one; you deserve it; you’ve done so well.” Reaching for the bag, I knew it wasn’t a good idea, yet I proceeded, and before I knew it, I’d polished off the remaining candy. I immediately felt physically and mentally sick. “ Why did I do that? Why didn’t I stop after one? I am failing at so many things,” I chided myself.
If only the battle with sugar were the only one I fight regularly.
I want to read my Bible more, so I set my alarm 30 minutes earlier every day. However, I more often than not hit the snooze button, choosing sleep over time with the Lord.
I want to spend more quality time with my girls, but I gravitate towards unanswered emails and text messages, prioritizing things that could wait over them.
I want to give more money to missions and be more generous, but I often buy things I don’t need because “it was on sale.”
Yes, I struggle to do the things I do not want to do daily, yet I still do them! Have you ever felt that way? The Apostle Paul most certainly did.
In the letter to the Romans, Paul shares his frustration that he continues doing the things he doesn’t want to do. Why does this keep happening? For those of Christ, we are freed from the penalty of sin but still live in the presence of sin. He openly shares his ongoing struggle with sin, the internal battle within him—the same battle that we all fight.
Many believe that once they accept Christ, all their problems and struggles will disappear. The reality is that the battle has just begun. Later in Ephesians, Paul describes how we prepare for the spiritual battle that wages war against our hearts and minds by putting on the whole armor of God ( Ephesians 6:13-17). We must suit up as we fight sin, but there will be times when we lose that battle. That’s where God’s grace and mercy meet us.
While we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are still humans. Our fleshly desires, spiritual attacks, and longing for Godly obedience coexist. God’s grace is not a license to sin but a reminder of how much we need a savior. Our goal is not perfection but progress, looking more like Jesus today than yesterday.
Back to my earlier story: I couldn’t erase the consequences of the last few days of poor care, but I did have an opportunity to hit the refresh button and start again. Today was new; therefore, my choice to do the right thing for my body mattered. The same for us as believers. God’s mercies are new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23). Let’s celebrate the good news of the Gospel; we aren’t just redeemed and restored for salvation, but every day. Amen!
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Can you think of an area where you are experiencing a sin struggle? Instead of feeling defeated, write down some goals and focus on your progress, not perfection.
For Further Reading:
Romans 7
Why Do I Do What I Hate?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FluxFactory
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! Caroline Beidler still vividly remembers cracking open her first beer under a big oak tree. She was 11. In this episode of Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, host Jon Seidl sits down with Beidler—managing editor of recovery.com, author, and addiction recovery advocate—to explore her powerful story of childhood trauma, early addiction, spiritual awakening, relapse, and ultimate restoration through faith and community. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, share this podcast or follow Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Related Resource: Relapse, Trauma, and the Power of Community
