If you’ve ever met a Christian, you quickly learn that Christians aren't perfect. If you are a Christian, then you definitely know that you’re not perfect!
Sometimes, we try to pretend we’re perfect, never make mistakes, and have it all together. Or, we act as though we live trouble-free lives. So, when something in life goes sideways, we think, “This isn’t supposed to happen to me!”
But, the fact that Christians aren’t perfect is what makes our life stories even more relatable and powerful. Our journey is filled with ups and downs, successes and failures—just like anyone else's.
Here's the great news: these imperfections actually highlight our need for a Savior, and that's where Jesus steps in.
Christians Aren’t Perfect Because No One is Perfect
Sometimes people might expect Christians to be these flawless, picture-perfect folks, but the truth is, nobody's perfect, and that includes followers of Jesus. We're all human and have our fair share of imperfections.
Being a Christian doesn't mean you suddenly become this faultless person who never makes a mistake. It means you're striving to live by certain truths, but you're still going to stumble along the way, just like everyone else.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
ALL have sinned, including us! So yes, Christians mess up. We say things we shouldn't, we lose our patience, and sometimes we make choices that are, well, not great.
But, that brings us to the very next verse we see in Romans 3.
We All Need a Savior
And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:24
ALL of us need a Savior. Yes, even us who seem to “have it all together.” But, let's be real, none of us have it all together, and that's why we all need Jesus.
When we mess up, when we sin and fall short, it's a reminder that we need a Savior. We need Someone who understands us, offers forgiveness, rescues us, and guides us. That is what Jesus does for us.
Jesus didn't come for perfect people! He came for those of us who were a bit rough around the edges, the ones who had messed up. Jesus came for all of us.
As Christians, we want to follow Jesus and His Word, but our failures remind us of our human condition. We're all trying, learning, and sometimes falling flat on our faces. In those moments, Jesus is there, reminding us that grace and redemption are waiting for us.
We Need to Depend on Jesus Daily
Because of our sinful nature, our daily life is riddled with mistakes and shortcomings. Because of this, we are reminded that we need to surrender and live in dependence on God. Living dependent on Jesus doesn't mean we're weak, it means we're wise.
Depending on Jesus every day is a constant reminder that we're not alone in the chaos of this world. We have a Lord who is here to guide us. And, when we mess up (not if, but when), we have a Savior who forgives us.
If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need to rely on Jesus in our daily lives. There would be no reason to seek Him because we could do it all ourselves! But, we would be missing out on so much of God’s presence in our lives. If we commanded complete control of our own perfect lives, we would see only a glimpse of who He is and what He has for us.
Giving up control and depending on Jesus might not sound like a freeing thing, but it is. It's letting go of the illusion of control and surrendering to One who is greater, and who wants the very best for us.
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Our Faith Story can Point Others to Jesus
For many of us, our faith story includes a time where we were far from perfect. Our lives were filled with sin, doubt, and pain. In these moments, God showed up, walked with us, and rescued us. Our imperfection was an opportunity for God to show us perfect love, and our lives were forever changed.
When we are transparent with others and share that we're not perfect, our testimony leads to Jesus and what He did for us. Jesus didn't come for the flawless. He came for all of us who recognize our need for salvation and forgiveness.
Through the messiness of our own lives, we can show others the transformative work of Jesus. When we share our faith story, God’s perfect love, compassion, and forgiveness will shine brightly compared to our struggles and imperfections.
So, while Christians aren't perfect, that's exactly the point. Our imperfect stories beautifully point to the perfect love of Jesus.
Only God is Perfect
Many of us have wondered: Is God perfect? We know He’s holy, loving, kind, and generous – but is He perfect? Here are some Bible verses that explain why only God is perfect:
As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in him. - Psalm 18:30 NIV
This Psalm clearly states the perfection of our God. His word remains flawless and He remains a shield for those who take refuge in Him! This is such good news to all, no matter where we are in our walk with God. The Rock, His work is perfect,
for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He. - Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV
Have you ever tried moving a rock? It’s pretty hard! God is often referred to in the Bible as The Rock and this name of God exemplifies His faithfulness, His steadiness, and His age – that He is from the beginning! This Bible verse in Deuteronomy 32:4 also highlights that God is perfect and all of his ways are just. And that big phrase ‘without iniquity’ simply means that God isn’t unfair or immoral.
Bible Verses About Perfection in Christianity
Now that we’ve discovered God’s perfect nature, it leaves us wondering…can we be perfect too? Can creation be perfect like its Creator? What does perfection mean in the Bible? If God is perfect, shouldn’t His creation be too? While humans are made in the image of God, there will never be such a thing as a perfect Christian. All of us are still being sanctified and perfected into the ways of God. Some would say this process is how we are being made perfect in Christ. Here are some Bible verses on divine perfection that explain what perfection in Christianity can look like:
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. - Romans 8:29 NLT
This Bible verse explains to us that we are becoming like Jesus, the perfect son of God. While we may not get there overnight, we will all become more and more like Jesus as we follow in His ways!
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14 ESV
Wow – what a high bar! As Christians, we are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and do our very best to live at peace with everyone and to be holy as God is holy! Want to learn more about how to have and create peace in a crazy world? Read our article: How to Have Peace in An Angry World
Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2 NASB
It’s such a good thing to know that we aren’t the perfecter of our faith – Jesus is! He carries us through when we are low in faith, He rejoices with us when we are on cloud nine in our faith, and He’s gentle with us when we’re questioning our faith.
Read Armin Assadi’s breathtaking story of how God brought him out of darkness and into His marvelous light! It’s Never Too Late: A Real Story of God's Redemption
Conclusion
All in all, Jesus is the ultimate example of perfection. As we look to Him, He guides us and strengthens us on our own paths towards holiness. While we will never fully achieve perfection, our humble pursuit is a testament to His love and the transformative power of His grace. Remember: no one is perfect, but as Christians it’s our joy to follow in the footsteps of the Perfect One, Jesus Christ.
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