What is perfect? What is pure?
I am sure that there are many out there who think that because they have a handicap, God would not accept them as they aren’t perfect.
The Old Testament – Leviticus 21: 16-24 says:
“No man who has any defect may come near (to offer sacrifices to God): no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand.”
Does having a handicap offend God?
Leviticus being in the Old Testament had a strict list of do’s and don’t’s for men entering the priesthood of Aaron. They had to be pure, with no physical defects. Why you ask? I believe that this was because the priest was a physical symbol of a future spiritual reality – a very important type of the coming Messiah. God was looking for a physical perfect man as a priest to represent the spiritually perfect man, the Lord Jesus.
Is this why the Old Testament priests could not be lame, blind or handicapped in any way? A violation of the Old Testament picture would defile the New Testament fulfillment of Christ’s perfection as our high priest.
This passage can speak to us today, whether we are disabled or not.
As part of the “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9),God welcomes us into his presence, accepting us no matter how “disfigured or deformed” we are.
When we come to Him in Worship, we need to make certain that we have been washed in Jesus’ blood and that our hearts are clean, harbour no blemish of pride or defect of impurity. We may not be tied to strict do’s and dont’s, but if God wanted Old Testament People to be pure when they came before him, surely he expects the same of us?
My question to you is this?
What are your views on coming before God with purity? What is your interpretation of ‘purity’?
I leave you with this –
Gold cannot be pure, and people cannot be perfect.
~Chinese Proverb~
Debra's ~ Daily ~ Dialogue '2' 
My view of coming to God with purity is that we come authentically, just as we are.
That is exactly as I see it! We are all unique – and perfect in our own right:)
I have a tough time coming up with an image of “perfect.” Often people who seem very polished on the outside have trouble running deep.
I tend to agree with you there – after all, what is perfect? To me it is One person’s opinion – their own 🙂
Purity means kindness & openness of heart. Taking joy in the diversity of the world and the people in it. Helping society’s weaker members, teaching tolerance, spreading love.
Love the Chinese proverb BTW!
I love the diversity and am so blessed to be unique and one of a kind – my hubby would probably say – “thanks heavens there is only one of you (me) ” 🙂
I don’t really have specific views on that matter but that’s definitively something to think about!
🙂
Speaking as a sister, mom and an aunt of handicap children to me it’s not about handicap versus perfection…..it is about doing and giving your absolute best with what you have been given.
Absolutely!!! That’s why I am so glad we live in the era of the New Testament and not the old – although I do understand the reasoning of the time. Doesn’t mean I agree with it tho 🙂 I too have a handicapped sister.
I agree with Carla’s comment about being authentic…. I think God wants to see our heart, not our actions…
That is EXACTLY what he want’s – in MY opinion too! He want’s us as we are, and he will change us according to His word, in His time 🙂 I get very exited when I see comments like this – it really touches the core of my ‘being’.