by Pastor Rich Carlson

In Paul’s closing remarks in his second letter to the Corinthians he says, "Finally brothers…aim for perfection" (2 Corinthians 13:11). Well that can take the wind out of my spiritual sails! How can I be perfect as a sinner in a sinful world?

It doesn’t say be perfect, it says aim for perfection. Even if I may never win the theological battle regarding perfection and its attainment, at least I’ll know which way I am going in life.

If I don’t decide what will take priority in my life then something or someone else will. If I haven’t decided which direction my life is going, I will no doubt be distracted toward other destinations. I know what I want—I want to be like Christ—attainable or not in this life, I know where I want to end up.

Paul continues in verse 11 by saying, "Listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." Here’s what I get from Paul’s directions in this verse:

"Listen to my appeal." This reminds me that I don’t have all the answers. Others can help me. I need to be open to the support of others. I need to be big enough to allow God to use others to guide me.

"Be of one mind." Christianity is for me not just a good idea among many. I want it, like I want perfection, to be the only thing that monitors and regulates my life. Singleness of purpose and focus in spirituality is Paul’s conclusion as he pleads for the success of his believer friends in Corinth.

"Live in peace." My goal in life is not to stir up controversy or create conflict. Life does enough of that on its own, and the devil already has perfected that "gift." My goal is to bring harmony, assurance, happiness, and love. With a focus on living like Jesus, valuing the wisdom and support of His chosen leaders, focusing my life intently on Him and His ways, I will be a person who builds up the people around me. I’ll live in peace.

"And," says Paul, the result will be that, "the God of love and peace will be with [me]." In my simple way of understanding it, I pray and hope for God’s presence in my life—I want God to be with me.

If
          I aim for perfection
          I listen to the wisdom of God’s leaders
          I seek to be of one mind
          I live in peace

Then
          The God of Love will be with me.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.