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Blemish: Embracing Imperfection While Pursuing Holiness in Christian Life

We all carry imperfections—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Yet in the journey of faith, these blemishes are not barriers to God's love, but opportunities for transformation. Accepting what cannot be changed frees us to focus on what can: our character, our devotion, and our alignment with God's purpose.

Accepting the Unchangeable, Pursuing the Possible

We all have imperfections and flaws in both our bodies and character. Accept physical defects that can't be remedied, recognising these bodily blotches should not detract from our self-esteem but instead be accepted as a distinguishing mark of who God created us to be. Instead, we should be working on the more important character issues that can be corrected and brought into conformity with God's design.

What changeable blemishes in my character am I working on?

Christ's Work in Cleansing the Church

Christ loves the church (the redeemed people) and is working in us to cleanse us, so we can be presented to Him without stain, or wrinkle or any other blemish (Eph 5:27). This is the ultimate state of believers in heaven where we will be changed and fully conformed to His character, for at the present within us individually and collectively there is much imperfection and impurity (Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 15:51–52; 2 Cor 3:18).

The Old Testament sacrificial animals were to be perfect (without physical defects), yet even this ruling was violated with sick, less-than-quality animals being offered (Lev 22:22; Deut 15:21; Mal 1:8). Each sacrifice was a symbol of the future sacrifice of Christ, who was "a lamb without blemish or defect" (Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:19, 2:22). He is worthy of the best we can give Him, yet He wants us, not just our things. Remember He is to be first in our lives, and we are to "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship" (Mk 12:30; Rom 12:1). Do I try and cheat Him by substituting what He deserves with a defective, less-than-wholesome offering? How about our level of obedience, quality devotional time, finances, and willingness to sacrifice our desires for His Kingdom?

Pursuing Holiness in Daily Life

Going forward into the future, it is our responsibility to walk uprightly, taking precautions to keep away from sin that easily entangles: "...let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit..." (2 Cor 7:1; 2 Tim 2:21; Heb 12:1; Jas 4:8). If we knowingly continue in sin, this is to present to the Lord a "blemished," unholy sacrifice. God, who is holy, expects us—His children—to honour Him with purity and holiness (1 Pet 1:16). God saw through the shoddy sacrifices the Israelites made, and He knows when we are not honest but stingy with Him too. However, thank God, the blood of Christ cleanses from sins committed in the past that have been repented of (1 Jn 1:9).

Reflection and Application:

Am I honest with myself about the character flaws I excuse or ignore?
Do I offer God my best, or do I substitute half-hearted devotion for wholehearted surrender?
How does the truth that Christ is cleansing me shape my daily choices?
In what area of my life do I need to pursue holiness more intentionally?