The Perfect 10

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:20-24 ESV). Gymnastics is an incredible sporting event. While I don’t pretend to understand all of the intricacies of the sport, I do know these athletes are amazing. Their strength and agility are incredible. Many sportscasters have discussed the scoring and said that the “perfect 10” is an impossible score to attain. While Mary Lou Retton dazzled the judges and was given a ten in 1984 for her floor exercise and Nadia Comaneci did the same eight years later, there seems to be no possibility of a repeat in today’s gymnastics world. An Associated Press article I read stated, “… those moments almost surely won’t be repeated anytime soon. The perfect 10 has slowly — perhaps sadly — filtered its way out of gymnastics, a victim of increased difficulty in events, tougher judging and, some critics say, maybe some hardheadedness and ignorance among those who run it.” “Actually, I think they thought there were too many 10 scores,” said Martha Karolyi who, along with her husband Bela, coached Comaneci and Retton during their perfect-10 moments. The AP article explained that where perfection used to be something that could be sensed or felt, as well as seen, it is now something that must be measured according to the rules of the very strict, very long, very complex Code of Points to which each judge and gymnast must adhere. The Code of Points is nothing new, but it is much more detailed than it was in the past, and calls for two or three “bonus” moves in each event simply to get to a routine that could be eligible for a 10. In the past, gymnasts used to strive for a perfect 10; these days, they strive to develop a routine with a “start value” of 10, meaning it could conceivably earn a perfect score if it were done flawlessly. It seems very complicated to me. I do know that these men and women are very gifted, whether perfect or not! This morning’s reading is a part of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. He desires that we be “perfect.” And, he gives us the definition of that perfection. There isn’t a Code of Points or any performance of skills that will determine our perfection. It is our relationship to him that makes us a perfect 10! I will likely never do anything perfect. However, I can be perfect in the grace of God through Christ. That comes through faith. Are you perfect? You can be. Trust in him today!