Have you ever noticed you are not perfect? I try hard to do things right and to be the sort of person God has called me to become. But I’m not perfect. I’m not a perfect husband, a perfect father, a perfect preacher, or even a perfect Christian. Paul understood this concept when he wrote by inspiration concerning the gospel message, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” 2 Corinthians 4:7. The Apostle’s point here is that an imperfect messenger illuminates the message of the gospel in a clearer way. Now this isn’t the gnostic teaching of “my words and actions aren’t important as long as my beliefs are right.” Rather it is a reminder that my task is to convert people to Christ rather than to myself. If I convey to others that I am perfect and have no struggles, then I run a risk of drawing people to myself rather than to the saving gospel. Everyone who desires to follow Jesus will stumble at times, grapple with doubt occasionally, and even fail. But true disciples will repent of their shortcomings and return to follow the Lord. As we continue on this spiritual journey, let us not become discouraged. Instead let us take courage and rejoice in God’s grace. For as Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
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