Michelangelo was once putting what appeared to be the finishing touches on a sculpture when a friend dropped by for a visit. Days later, the friend dropped by again and was surprised to find the artist still working on the same statue. The statue looked the same to the friend as it had days earlier, so he said, "You haven't been working on this statue all this time, have you?"
"I have", said Michelangelo. "I've been busy retouching this part and polishing that part; I've softened this feature and brought out that muscle; I've given more expression to the lips and more energy to that arm."
"But all those things are so insignificant," said the friend, "they're mere trifles."
"That may be so," replied Michelangelo, "But trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle."
As Christians, we realize that it is impossible to attain spiritual perfection, but because of Christ we are made into His likeness. When inquired by the rich young man about inheriting eternal life, Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Matthew 19:21 NIV). We must be willing to give up everything... our pride, our possessions, our hearts, to follow the perfect example of the Master.
