Perfection Isn't Possible
Friday, January 12, 2024
“There is no such thing as perfection in a human being.” – Os Hillman
On Wednesday, I posted a new article on my personal blog that addresses political issues from a faith-based perspective. The post was titled “Mike Johnson and the Apostle Paul Syndrome,” and if you’d like to read it, here is the link: https://www.daleglading.com/blog/mike-johnson-and-the-apostle-paul-syndrome/
Basically, the point I was trying to make is that there is no such thing as a perfect person, a perfect pastor, or a perfect politician. Why do pastors change churches every four years, on average? Because their congregations are looking for something – actually someone – who doesn’t exist. They want a great preacher who is also a great administrator who also visits every family in the church regularly and prays for their needs daily. Oh, and yes, his wife must be willing to work her fingers to the bone (for free) while simultaneously raising the best-behaved children on God’s green earth.
The same goes for officeholders. Ronald Reagan used to say that someone who agreed with him 80% of the time wasn’t his 20% enemy, but his friend. And yet, we expect every politician to agree with us on every single issue or we demand his or her scalp.
I am so glad that God doesn’t demand perfection from me. Yes, our goal as believers should be to always follow Him in perfect obedience, never once sinning or straying. However, God knows our frame, and remembers that we are but dust (Psalm 103:14). That is why I John 1:8 states that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Fortunately, the very next verse provides an antidote or a cure for our sin disease. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
My friend, I want – and even expect – my elected officials to do their best to pass and uphold righteous laws. But when they fall short of my expectations, I am willing to cut them some slack if they are hard workers and were well-intentioned.
The same goes for pastors. Hold them accountable but, at the same time, give them a break. It’s called grace… and God has extended both mercy and grace to you and me.
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
