I have often found myself frustrated with
decisions made by those close to me. I admit that I make bad decisions
and get frustrated at myself as well. What makes my so frustrated with
some of the decisions some of my friends make, though, is instead of
taking responsibility for their actions they make excuses. This is
something I guess that I must also admit to doing from time to time.
It’s one particular excuse that makes me cringe.
I can remember the first time I heard it: “I’m not perfect.”
Typing it made me shiver. It’s so true, but still so wrong.
Admittedly no living person will or ever has lived a life of
perfection, aside from Jesus. We are fallen people living in a fallen
world. If we were perfect we wouldn’t need a Savior… a way to get to
God. That’s why Jesus lived a perfect life. Because we can’t. Even the
whole Bible is filled with imperfect people (still aside from Jesus).
So why does this excuse not work? Simple. Because it’s not an excuse.
Let me explain…
The life of a Christian is a journey. In it’s beginnings it was
referred to as “The Way.” Paul called is a race, or a marathon, at
times. Is is a process. This is called sanctification. The word
sanctification literally refers to the act or process of making holy or
setting apart. As Christians we are to constantly be heading toward a
state of holiness. A state of perfection.
Using “I’m not perfect” or any other excuse similar to it is
basically saying you’ve given up on trying to be perfect. We are not
just called to be followers of Christ who will stay in our sins having
to constantly look back and say, “Opps. It looks like I did it again.
Oh well, I’m not perfect and besides, God forgives.” This is not the
life we’re called to. In his first letter to his “dear Children”, or
his church, John wrote about walking in darkness and said that those
who do it are not in the Truth. James tells his readers to not only be
hearers of the Word, but doers also. How we live DOES matter. We will
mess up, but that is not the end
As Christians we are to strive for perfection. Let us never use imperfection as an excuse.
“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy…’” -Lev. 19:2
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled;
set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is
revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you
had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy,
so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am
holy.” - 1 Peter 1:13-16
Why can't they just go back to music videos? Maybe they should change their name to BRTV (Bad Reality TV). I did enjoy the show with the dance contest, though.