Imperfect
“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”
Matthew 26:51-53
A major impediment to success is the lack of wisdom and the lack of understanding. You can possess book smarts and yet remain unsuccessful. It is wisdom (the ability to utilize past experience and knowledge) and understanding (the ability to comprehend) that promotes success.
Peter was one of the first followers of Christ and somewhat of a spokesman for the disciples. He had walked with Jesus, been taught by Him, and saw the miracles He performed. But in all of his experiences his actions did not demonstrate or line up with the response of someone who was wise. When Jesus invited him to come to Him on the water he took his eyes off of Him and immediately began to sink (Matthew 14:28-29), he didn’t like hearing Jesus speak of His impending death and began to express disapproval (Matthew 16), he suggested building a tabernacle to honor Jesus along with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17), he cut off a centurion’s ear (John 18) and let’s not forget his denial of Christ three times (Matthew 26).
Although Peter was called “rock” he was brash, impetuous, hasty, careless, and often impromptu. Such behavior is a recipe for failure however in every action of impulsivity Peter was gaining wisdom. From his life you can see how God can take your mistakes and use them for spiritual development. What can be learned from the life of Peter is that imperfection and failings don’t have to be set backs but step-ups to becoming who you have been purposed to be.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:13-14 (New International Version)
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