Growing in Faith: Why Direction Matters More Than Perfection

Have you ever been tempted to paint over the brown spots in your lawn to make it look perfect? I once witnessed a neighbor doing exactly that – meticulously covering up imperfections with green paint to create the illusion of a flawless yard. It was shocking to realize the lengths someone would go to maintain a false image of perfection.

This story got me thinking about how we often do the same thing in our spiritual lives. We put on a facade, carefully curating our social media presence or plastering on a smile at church while hiding our struggles. But what if I told you that when it comes to our faith, it's not about perfection at all?

The Problem with Putting Up a Perfect Front

In Luke 11, we see Jesus addressing this very issue with the Pharisees. He says to them, "You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy, full of greed and wickedness" (Luke 11:39). Jesus calls out their obsession with outward appearances while neglecting their inner spiritual condition.

It's easy for us to fall into the same trap. We might focus on looking good on the outside – attending church regularly, using the right Christian lingo, or posting inspirational quotes on social media. But are we truly growing on the inside?

Growing is About Direction, Not Perfection

Here's the key takeaway: your spiritual journey isn't defined by how put-together you appear on Sunday morning. It's defined by the direction and distance you've traveled with Jesus. Growing in faith is about direction, not perfection.

Think about it this way: a lawn that needs water, a little color, and some tending might not look perfect, but it can still be growing. In the same way, our spiritual lives don't need to be flawless to be moving in the right direction.

How to Know If You're Growing Spiritually

So, how can we tell if we're actually growing in our faith? Here are a few indicators:

1. How you respond when you don't get your way: Are you quick to anger or manipulation, or are you learning to trust God's plan?

2. How much you love people who can't give you anything in return: Can you show Christ-like love to those who drain your energy or can't reciprocate?

3. How honest you are about your own shortcomings: Are you able to be authentic about your struggles, or do you always try to maintain a perfect image?

4. Where you find meaning and satisfaction in life Are you looking to Jesus for fulfillment, or are you chasing after worldly success?

Pastor Tim Keller puts it well: "The incomplete joys of this world will never satisfy the human heart." True growth and satisfaction come from orienting our lives towards Christ.

Embracing Authentic Growth

Men, this Father's Day, remember that you don't have to be perfect. Your legacy isn't built on having it all together. It's built on showing others what it looks like to follow Jesus, even when you stumble.

For all of us, let's throw away the spiritual "spray paint" and quit trying to cover up our missteps. Instead, let's embrace the idea that real growth happens when we focus on moving in the right direction, not on appearing perfect.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." When we orient our lives towards God, He guides our growth.

Putting It Into Practice

This week, try these steps to embrace authentic spiritual growth:

1. Be honest with God and others about your struggles.

2. Look for opportunities to love those who can't repay you.

3. When things don't go your way, practice trusting God's plan.

4. Seek satisfaction in your relationship with Jesus, not in worldly achievements.

Remember, a growing faith that's authentic is far more beautiful than any perfectly manicured, spray-painted version could ever be.