I often hear phrases like: “God uses imperfect people to accomplish his perfect plan.” I believe this is true, but…. This is a big “but”. I don’t believe this is an excuse for our bad behavior or the bad behavior of others. We might even go as far as to call this bad behavior “sin”.
The question is: “What is God’s ‘perfect plan’?” Quite often, would be leaders prefer to claim their plan as God’s plan. This is troubling and far from Spiritual. The reality is that we cannot humanly conceive God’s plan. At best, we can only pursue an understanding that there is a Plan or Purpose greater than oneself—a Plan in which we each play an intricate role with all others.
We are indeed imperfect—but perfectly so. Imperfect, flawed, and broken does not give us permission to behave “sinfully”. We are obligated to “be our best today and be better tomorrow”. We make mistakes, of course. Our mistakes—our failures—are to make us (and the Universe) better for others. It is not as it is said, that “the end justifies the means”. It just happens that the events of today (and yesterday) impact tomorrow. If we are justifying our behavior or the behavior of others because they further our plan, we are, at best, short-sighted.
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:19-22, NIV)
For those who would call themselves “Christian”, it is clear that the “imperfect” are to be of “pure heart”—to be “cleansed”. Moreover, one must see their imperfections not as “God’s will” but as “God’s opportunity”.
We are not above our imperfection and the end does not justify the means. Right is right. Wrong does not make right. We cannot allow ourselves to be so deceived.
We must take responsibility for our imperfection and pursue perfection (albeit allusive). As legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi stressed, “we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!