Here comes the year of Perfection!

Another year is here and it surely promises to be an exciting one. It is an iconic year, a year that marks the beginning of another century. For some this means anticipation, for others great expectations and others even anxiety or fear. What will you make of this year? Will 2020 be your best year yet?

The ministry I belong to announces a theme for the start of each year. Actually, it's more than a theme, I would consider it a declaration. Similar to a navigation system that should guide you throughout the year and remind you of where you're going. Should you get off course or take a wrong turn during the year, this word declared for the year should make sure your route is recalculated and sets you back on track.

The declaration for 2020 is: "Our year of Perfection!" Powerful!

At this point, some might smile in disbelief or think: "Pretty ambitious but unrealistic." Not so fast. 

For so long, we've been fed the idea that nobody is perfect and will ever be. Whatever you do, try your best but don't expect a perfect outcome. Sounds comforting, right? At least you won't beat yourself up if your delivery is below par - all that matters is that you made an honest effort. That may sound great BUT only if you don't have a winner's mentality and are just trying to get by. 

This reminds me of a conversation I had with my husband a while ago. We were watching a basketball game and at some point, during the game, he pointed at the screen and said: "This player knows how to win!" 

I turned to him and asked: "Is that not the whole point? Doesn't every player want to win?" 

His answer surprised me: "There is a big difference between trying or wanting to win and having a winner's mentality. Of course, every player that shows up for the game hopes to also win but if winning is your only option you'll approach the game differently from the start. Your mindset and how you view the game will be different."

That really got me thinking because this did not only apply to sports but pretty much to any situation in life. Would you ever fail an exam if you approached it with the mindset that passing was the only option? Would you ever give up on your dream if in your mind there was no other way but to succeed?

Back to the theme of the year. I believe that perfection depends on your point of view. If you rely on your own strength you'll most likely fail but if you rely on God and His word you won't. Now, should we strive for perfection? Yes. Makes total sense but that once again implies you'll have to rely on your own strength to make that happen. I think there's a deeper meaning and higher understanding of this: Commitment. Committing to perfection. That means you won't focus on yourself and your own ability but allow God to lead you. "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48 NKJV

I, personally, have quite a few things on my list that I want to accomplish this year and the years to come and looking back I'm so grateful that by God's grace I truly always made progress in different areas of my life. So, if you're reading this feeling stirred up, motivated or inspired to not only start the year off with the right mindset and heart in place but to also put your words and ideas into action - wonderful! Perfection as the world sees it might be impossible to accomplish but perfection in Jesus Christ is possible. Allow God and His word to guide you, then this will not only be your best year yet but the beginning of something even greater!