We all are. Being imperfect is not the issue – dealing with being imperfect is! There was a thoughtful post on Facebook that said:
“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get
inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.”
The ‘author’ of this quote is unknown, but the wisdom is remarkable. It also provides a foundation on which we can deal with, grow, become more through how we respond to our own imperfections. Also, I think that ‘I’m only human’
should never be an excuse. Of course you’re human… but you are made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27). Why would you dishonor this?
I think there’s little doubt that most of us harbor a desire to inspire others. It’s one way we judge if we are making any contribution to the world in which we live. When we see others positively responding or attempting to emulate our behavior then this affirms us to us. But some of the best lessons are learned when we aren’t at the top of our game, when we act or say things that demonstrate we are imperfect. How we handle these imperfections is critical and hiding them is never the option. People do see how we deal with these ‘failings’ and discover their own ways of dealing with their own imperfections.
There are over 15 scriptures that deal with perfection, one of my favorites is:
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become
perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which
also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 3:12)
We read that Paul too recognized he was in a process of moving into perfection. And so are we – in a process, on our way, not there yet but continuing. And one of the best ways of understanding and seeing this movement is through how, when we know it is our imperfection, we attempt to work toward the goal of becoming perfect. If you are throwing up your hands in frustration, remember Psalms 25:8
“Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.”
See. You’re not alone in the process. Turn and listen to what the Lord is instructing you and you will find yourself moving in the direction to accomplish the goal. Deuteronomy 32:4
“His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness
and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.”
You aren’t alone and you will never be turned away.
From scripture’s standpoint – we are in a process involved with becoming perfect. We haven’t attained it, we can’t do it alone, but it is a goal. Each day becomes a learning laboratory for us to discover our best way of redeeming our errors and advancing our understandings. I suspect that perfection doesn’t occur until we are in the presence of the Lord and He makes us all Perfect. This, however, never excuses or gives us license to not learn or not grow into all we can become.
