We’ve all heard it. You’ve probably said it. Nobody’s perfect. And it’s true enough. Even the Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. So, naturally, in Christian circles we talk about how no Christian is perfect. We’re still human. We say that when we, or someone we know, messes up. Then we probably talk about grace and God’s forgiveness. And while that’s all well and good, are we maybe setting ourselves up for failure?
I once heard Pastor Chris Oyakhilome ask this in a message:
Picture yourself on an airplane. You’re all settled into your seat, luggage stored in the overhead compartment, seat belt buckled and reading over your e-mails before take-off. Then the pilot comes on the speaker and gives the usual flight time, flying conditions, etc. And then the pilot says, “I just want to remind all of you out there that no pilot is perfect. So should anything go wrong during our flight today, I want to thank you for your grace.” How many people do you think would get off the plane?
That’s not to say anything bad is going to happen during your flight, but if the pilot himself was doubting, wouldn’t that strike some fear or anxiety in you as the passenger? If you stayed on the plane, wouldn’t you likely be on edge for the duration of the flight? It’s true that no one is perfect and we all screw up occasionally, but as a passenger, don’t you hope that the pilot flying your plane is striving for perfection. To make all the right decisions for you to have a safe, smooth flight? Of course!
Then why do we, as Christians, not follow the same principle? Shouldn’t we make every attempt to be in the will of God at all times? What if your accountant says, “Well, I thought I’d go ahead and do your taxes without using your W-2s.” I’m quite sure you would get a phone call from the IRS and find yourself a new accountant. But don’t we do that every time we make a decision without consulting the Word of God or spending time in prayer? (And I’m not saying you need to spend an hour in prayer over where you should have lunch – unless the Holy Spirit lays it on your heart.)
I’m not suggesting that I’m perfect or that you need to give yourself an ulcer trying to be perfect. This is really more food for thought. Something for you to chew on. Are you using your flesh as an excuse to ignore your spirit?
If you’re looking for wisdom and encouragement, look at the book of Job. Poor Job. That’s what I used to think when I thought of Job. But not poor Job. Poor Job’s friends. Poor me. Oh, that all Christians could be as self-assured in our innocence as Job. We are innocent, you know. We have been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ and every time the enemy comes against you trying to remind you of all your faults and all the things you have done wrong, meditate on this verse:
It’s true. You are as pure as gold. You are perfect in Christ. And don’t forget that. Remind yourself of that everyday.
