Guest Column / Richard Etienne

While you can’t be perfect, always give your best effort in this life

“Perfect!”

In my experience, it’s a word that is sometimes used when a young couple is just beginning a relationship.

“I have found him and her! … Or he or she is perfect!” Those two phrases come to mind. At the beginning, every activity is fun or amazing or exciting and new!

But as time passes, we realize—whether it’s as a couple or in the sacred single life—that people and situations are never perfect.

We are all broken individuals. We all make bad choices at times. This is called sin. Yet, God somehow works with what is available from us at the time.

For example, Peter denied Christ. Thomas doubted Christ. And King David, a “favorite” of God, was caught in an adulterous and murderous plot.

Yet God loved and forgave each of them. And we, in the present day, are no exception to this human condition of sinfulness.

On the other hand, I know someone who often complements others with the phrase, “decent job.” This person is, of course, teasing—in most situations.

I am among those who believe every effort in life should not be characterized as merely “decent.”

I believe somewhere between a “decent” and “perfect” job is an appropriate middle ground for more informative feedback for other people’s behaviors and actions.

My family and I have a reminder we see every day. A plaque in our home reads: “Don’t forget: A person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.”

And knowing the words or phrases other people love to hear can be a great springboard in knowing what they most want to be appreciated for.

In Scripture, we read in the Gospel of Matthew challenging words that Jesus shares with his disciples: “… be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).

We know there are few situations in life where a person will truly have an opportunity to apply the word “perfect” to whatever challenges they are taking on.

We no doubt understand that total perfection is unachievable in this lifetime, but as followers of Christ, let’s always strive to put our best effort into everything we do.
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †