Perfectionism

     Acts 22 

Paul could have been considered a "perfect" Jew.  He had the right pedigree, the right training, the right desires, the right enthusiasm.  But being "perfect" In one's own eyes doesn't make somebody saved before God.

When God met Paul on the road to Damascus, He understood two important facts,  First, He realized God could use every part of a person's background and upbringing for His glory.  Nothing is wasted with God.  As God fashioned his future servant, the events of Paul's life would be brought together into a perfect "package" that could accomplish God's great purposes.  Paul's training under Gamaliel gave him command of the Old Testament.  When Christ revealed Himself, Paul, unlike many of his fellow Pharisees, saw how Christ had fulfilled every prophecy regarding the Messiah.  Paul's logical mind saw the truth, and there was no turning back.  In addition, Pau's Roman citizenship allowed him to travel across the empire, and spared him at least one beating at the hands of the Roman Soldiers.

Second, Paul realized that his perfect pedigree was ultimately worthless for Salvation,  He wrote to the Philippian church; "If anyone thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so; circumcised the 8th day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.  But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ."  Phil 3:4-7.

Paul's Jewish "perfection" counted for nothing.  No one's pedigree, training, background, wealth, abilities, gifts, appearance, or anything else can be perfect enough to earn Salvation.  We must not be enslaved to the "perfectionism" of this world that is ultimately worthless.  Only when we cast ourselves before God and allow Him to use our backgrounds, training, and gifts for His glory will we find complete fulfillment.  Only when we repent of our sins and accept Him as our Savior does He do His perfect work in us.