Let Perfection Go
By Meg Bucher
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15 NIV
The close relationship I have with my daughters is rooted in honesty. As they can digest certain truths about their momma, I am faithful to continue to crack the door open. Though I love that they see me as their hero, I would be misleading them to think I have all the answers, or have never suffered at the hand of my own consequences. I followed some wise advice early on as a mother, and committed to apologizing to them when I say or do something that warrants it. Something magical happens when youth are able to see us in light of the cracks in our armor.
Leading children through seasons we have struggled through, ourselves, strengthens the endurance of our faith and leads them to the feet of their Father. When our children understand we aren’t perfect, they are better able to accept themselves for who and Whose they are… despite their imperfections and struggles.
Jesus commanded us to “love,” and he instructed us to “go.” We don’t have to be perfect in order to love, or receive love. Sinlessness is not only impossible this side of heaven, but unnecessary to “go” and tell the Truth of the Gospel. At its core, love despite imperfection is the Gospel. 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV)
We have unfortunately become so good at perfecting the highlight reels of our lives, that the youth coming up behind us sometimes don’t know enough about the times we’ve fallen and couldn’t get up without Jesus. He is the righteousness in us. The same relief that washes over my daughters’ when they realize mom isn’t perfect, shows up at every youth group and Bible study I have ever led or taught. The Truth in all of our stories is powerful. Despite our imperfections, and the insane state of this world we live in, God is using us …and as believers, Christ is IN US. It spurs in us a desire to love because we are loved, and to share the Gospel with everyone God places in our lives, everywhere life takes us.
After Jesus told His disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel,” He said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16 NIV) God is not reliant on our compliance to achieve His purposes on this earth. We are created to honor Him with our lives, and as believers we get to participate in His compassionate love for all of us through the unique ministry He has purposed for every life. As it says in Mark 16:16, “whoever does not believe will be condemned.” God does not want to lose a single one of His precious children. Thus, the reason for and urgency to His mandate, “go.” When we are faithful to go and tell of His hand in our story, God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) We serve a God who cares for us, and a Savior who died so we may live life to the full (John 10:10). What are we waiting for?! Let’s “go.”
