Impaired & Imperfect
The longer I live the more I realize how imperfect I am. I also realize that others aren’t perfect either. We all have struggles at one level or another. I am also keenly aware of how blessed I am to be born into the United States. I don’t always agree with the politicians who lead our government, but I’m thankful to live here. I also realize that as great as our country is, we aren’t perfect for sure. I’ve never met anyone who is perfect. I remember as a young kid, I was strong and didn’t feel like I had imperfections, but I did. The older I get the more imperfections seem to rear their head. For example, I can’t see as well as I once did and my hearing has slipped a bit as well.
Jesus makes a statement that speaks to my impaired and imperfect condition. He is hanging out with obviously non-religious people when making this statement. Check this out…
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Matthew 9:9-13 NLT)
I think it’s important for me to become aware of my failures and my imperfections. I’m thankful that I’m loved in spite of them. Our health systems across the country have opened these medical clinics for people to avoid the wait at the doctor’s office or Emergency Room. They are convenient and easy to get in and out. When I think of my spiritual health, I’m often in need of major surgery or time in the Intensive Care Unit. I am in need of Jesus speaking into my heart on a daily basis. My time in the Word is much like “out-patient care”. I go to church to get encouragement, motivation and inspiration to keep living out my faith. The church is full of people like me who need spiritual help and encouragement. Some people in our church need major surgery on their heart or head. I remember years ago when I had a spiritual “heart transplant”. As healthy as I appear now, I’m still impaired and imperfect, but the Lord uses people like me to encourage and lead others to Him because I’ve “been there and done that”. I’m so thankful for His patience and persistence in healing my impaired & imperfect heart.
Pressing On!
Dwayne