“No Perfect
People.” “Brilliant!”, I thought.
These were
the words that formed the tag line of a church I saw somewhere. I don’t remember the church’s name but I
definitely remember what they stood for.
They were speaking directly against the perception that people who go to
church are “the perfect people.” Church
People have perfect lives, perfect families, perfect children, perfect jobs,
perfect friends, perfect marriages. This
church knew many, many people wouldn’t ever darken the doors of a church
because they just don’t feel like they measure up. They aren’t perfect enough.
A saying of
Cold Springs Church written on our worship center wall is a little more wordy –
“Free to be who we are, being transformed
into all God wants us to be” – but seeks to communicate a similar
sentiment. We are messy, broken people
(whether we care to admit it or not) and it is Jesus’ business to restore and
strengthen our lives. We not only shouldn’t act perfect when we come to
church, we can’t be perfect. If you are perfect, you have no need for
grace. Perfect people don’t need
God.
We strive to be a place of grace
where all of us can encounter the God of grace. He is the only one who has the power to take what
is broken and bring about beauty.
Where are you not perfect in your
life? Where are you sensing loss,
brokenness and need? Where are you
comparing yourself to others and feeling like you don’t measure up? Your need is the opportunity for God’s
grace.
This is
God’s story - entering into the story of our lives with all it is and all it
isn’t and bringing redemption. So today,
when you recognized a piece of your brokenness see it as the invitation it was
meant to be. Don’t run from it, don’t
hide from it, don’t put on the “Perfect Church People Mask.” Instead invite Jesus in to begin doing his
work of restoration. Instead of hiding,
tell a friend about your need so Jesus can do what he does best, show his
mercy, grace and love through others.
As you look
around today, know there are no perfect people.
There are just people like you in need of the grace of God. Let’s be that grace to each other.
Peace and grace,
David
1 comment:
Great post, David, with a vital message. We're all imperfect people. I sure am. Thank God He accepts us as we are and helps us become the people He wants us to be.
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