The Paradox of Perfection | Book Review

On By EfuaIn Book Review

The Paradox of Perfection is written by Jeff Reber and Steve Moody; two christian educators and therapists.

This book addresses the conflict between the perfection spoken about in certain bible verses and the need for us to have Christ. It argues that once perfection is achieved, grace, mercy, forgiveness and Christ aren’t needed. The writers’ take on perfection is in terms of us loving fully. Explanations were given on how this can be achieved in marriage, parenting, church and in the world. The writers’ explanation contradicts what i thought perfection was as requested from us by Christ. And it totally differs from how i have heard it explained previously.

The first few chapters of the book were very easy to read and understand but the last few chapters were a little bit complex and required very deep level of concentration and understanding to connect the dots. In the end, i would say i did understand the angle the writers’ were seeing it from and although it took me a while to grasp, i finally got a good understanding of what Christ meant by saying ‘be ye perfect’.

Before reading this book, i wouldn’t have described myself as a perfectionist. I would have placed myself in-between perfectionist and non-perfectionists. However i realise that i was wrong in the description of myself.

This book reinforced the need for us to have Christ and not flawlessness. Overall, it was a good read.

The Paradox Of Perfection can be found on Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book in order to write a review. My comments are honest and independent.

19 thoughts on “The Paradox of Perfection | Book Review”

  1. Wow…(A picture is worth a thousand words)

    I was immediately drawn to this message because what I see in the pic, I’m familiar with. My daughter was a pottery intern for almost a year and a half, and as this internship came to an end, I remember going into the studio on one of the last day’s and I saw a bowl with this type of marking on it. After inquiring as to why a piece such as this would be on display rather than maybe being tucked away in a corner somewhere, I was “taught” that this in fact was a very ancient and intentional technique, which a potter used, to not hide flaws, but to repair and salvage a valuable work.

    Kintsugi (or kintsukuroi) is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The philosophy behind the technique is to recognize the history of the object and to visibly incorporate the repair into the new piece instead of disguising it.

    Isn’t this just like Abba, meeting us where we are, not throwing us out or tucking us away in the corner of obscurity, but repairing, redeeming, and restoring us. As the potter He repairs us through his love and our repentance. We’re redeemed through His blood, and He places value on our lives. And then He restores us, putting His signet of never ending love and compassion for us on display in our everyday lives, for ALL to see. I love this technique because the scars tell a story. The scars reveal the intensity of the flame in the furnace of life (kiln) The scars reveal our humanity, but Abba’s sovereignty and divinity! The scars reveal His ability to pick our broken and marred selves up and make us into a Mater’s Piece, His workmanship.

    Let’s press on to perfection, even with our inability to be perfect, in terms of not making mistake or miss-steps. Let us press onto perfection, by seeking to mature in every aspect of the word and will of the Lord. Let’s press onto perfection seeking to lives lives postured and built upon the flawless, inerrant and perfect teaching of Jesus…

    Let us press on!!

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    1. Excellently written. It reminds me of the way they handle old buildings over here especially the ones around the city centre. They always like to maintain the old British architecture even during refurbishment because of the history behind them where lies the beauty.

      Talking about scars, I love what you said and it has given me a post inspiration. God’s love is revealed even in the scars.

      Yes to pressing into Christ more and more! Blessings brother

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  2. ishshahpraise

    Amen! I enjoyed reading this response. The explanation you provided in the beginning is extremely helpful. It helps to have sanctification personified through the art of pottery. God is so intelligent and intentional in His design and work that He shapes and molds us into the masterpieces He intended from before the foundation of the earth through our life experiences.

    I love the truth that He is the Potter and we are the clay for so many reasons. As I read your post I am inspired to see the vastness of God in comparison to man and all His creation really. He sits high enough with all the authority, power, understanding, creativity, innovation, and skill to mold what is marred into something glorious every time.

    I love the way you drew out the truth that He does not hide us away while He is molding and reshaping. Instead He uses those flaws to display His unfailing love and devotion. Wow…really great reflection!

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  7. I definitely disagree with the book, not you ❤ I actually have two other sisters in Christ also reading this book and they disagree with the direction it went. I really appreciate how you simplfied the message of the book, as a lot of I think is jargon, repetitive, goes in circles. This book is taking me a while because I want to figure out how to direct the issues I have and make them more productive. I plan to write some posts ahead of the review to help direct people to them and what scripture says.

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    1. Hi sis. Personally I don’t disagree with the whole of the book. The core messages in my opinion are to pursue Christ instead of perfection and to do everything from a place of love. There was a part I had to reread several times because I wasn’t understanding but in the end I saw where the writers were going with it❤️

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