Perfect Results from Messed Up Folks
Your Flaws are Inspiring
Painting by Myra Alibrando “Rice Terraces”
Before reading devotional, give a listen to this 99-second audio: “Interpreting Nature”
We All Smell Sometimes
Every celebrity, every living hero, every holy man, every ruler, and every genius have one thing in common - they occasionally smell; daily, in fact. This is true in history for the saints, the apostles, King David, Moses, Esther, Ruth, Enoch, and all the rest. This is not disrespect but simply true.
As babies, they did not glow or float but needed diapers changed. None were infallible and all learned by their mistakes: trial and error.
The Bible says "all have sinned" so let’s add, they all did wrong things.
This is not trivia but very relevant to understanding what God has done and continues to do. Thankfully, God made all nature and creation directly but He usually chooses to reach our hearts and guide us through other people.
Over and Under Order
God has created or chosen the order of things. He tells children to obey their parents. He tells wives to submit to their husbands. He tells slaves to obey their masters. He tells us all to submit to governing authorities. Yet all have faults.
In the Bible, every ruler and master is reminded that God is master of all and expresses His love for all. God is clear there are consequences for mistreating those under your authority.
Love All, Because God is Worthy to be Obeyed
And in all cases, without exception, we are all told to love. Not to love those who are deserving, but love all, because God is One deserving to be obeyed. God also promises He will work out the rest, not often, but 100% of the time. Notice the word “all” in the following verse:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
There are dozens of controversies about submission to authority, not because these commandments are unclear, but because our cultures, traditions, and values are not the same as God. Rather than repent, we typically make our doctrine fit around our lifestyle.
God Already Knows We Are Messed Up
But my point is the flaws of not only us, but every apostle, every writer of scripture, and despite this, it is exactly the way God wants to accomplish His will-through people.
I have seen up close, some very flawed evangelists, pastors, priests, nuns, and church people. Many have left the church for such reasons.
I am no less guilty. I have shameful things in my life history AFTER choosing Christ as my Savior. Back then, I left my faith because of my shame, only to return at age 32.
Yet, here you are, reading what I write because of the good things God has done to save me from bad things, including unforgiveness of myself.
An Acorn is not a Bad Oak Tree
We can be perfect in motive and character, but until we know literally everything, we cannot be perfect in all our choices. We grow in Christ. An acorn is not a bad oak tree. Unrighteousness is not inspiring, but someone who keeps failing and gets up more motivated to do right is inspiring. Why is that? It is because we are also flawed, and this gives us hope.
Even at my best, I can be wrong. When I feel strong, I am probably more prone to mistakes than when I feel weak and guarded.
We Are Being Saved, Not Recruited for Our Perfection
Who is God seeking to save? Sinners. Who is God promising to help? the weak. Who is God looking to recruit to help others? Imperfect people. Who is God seeking to lead others? Messed up people who see the truth of love and even though impaired, are humbly determined to do right by God.
Together, loving one another in faith, we make a brighter light.
We may admire the idea of a perfect person on stage or in charge, but that is a fiction that ultimately does harm. You will learn that perfect person is not perfect, or much worse.
God is the One Who Makes Life
There are wonderful principles God has in place that are cause and effect. No matter how sinful a man is, if he plants a pumpkin seed, only a pumpkin sprout will grow. However, it must be watered and whether a sinner or a saint is the one watering the soil and seed, that works.
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:7
When God says to obey Him, trust me when I say, He knows what He is doing. We are always less than perfect, but great things can grow in us and we can cause growth around us. In fact, anyone who thinks he is perfect or not a sinner is clearly not useable by God in that deceived state of mind.
Hearts of the Faithful
Flawed Bible translations, flawed doctrine, flawed church members and flawed leaders . . . don't worry. God's plan is to manage things through those who are willing to humbly put one foot in front of the other today. Have a perfect heart.
Experiment with perfect obedience to God's Word that you understand imperfectly. Don't fight for your values, instead seek results. A tree is known by its fruit. Let that be your measuring stick.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; Galatians 5:22,23
Wouldn’t these results in you (above) be great?
Have a wonderful week. It is possible.
Dear Sam,
Thank you for your insightful and inspiring words. I agree wholeheartedly with the message you've shared about our flaws being inspiring and God's plan working through imperfect people. Your reminder to focus on obedience to God's Word and to strive for the fruits of the Spirit resonates deeply with me.
In my own life, I have found that embracing my imperfections and relying on God's grace has allowed me to grow and influence those around me in positive ways. I strive to be a light in the world, even with my flaws and mistakes, knowing that God can use me for His purpose.
Thank you for writing this article. 🙏🌟
Thanks for this sir more strength of God