Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful
William MacDonald teaches that while imperfection and sorrow are inherent in life, believers are called to look beyond human flaws to the perfect character of Jesus Christ.
In this devotional sermon, William MacDonald explores the reality of imperfection in human life and relationships. He reminds listeners that while everyone has flaws, the Lord Jesus Christ alone is perfect and without blemish. MacDonald encourages believers to embrace realism about human nature and to set their hope on Christ, who fulfills our deepest longing for perfection.
Text
“Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful.” (Prov. 14:13)
Nothing is perfect in this life. All laughter is mingled with sorrow. Every diamond has a flaw. Each person has some character defect. In all of life, there’s a worm in the apple.
It is good to be idealistic; God has set within us a longing for perfection. But it is also good to be realistic; we never will find absolute perfection under the sun.
It is easy for young people to think that their family is the only one that has quarrels. Or that their parents are the only ones who don’t have scintillating TV personalities.
It is easy to be disappointed with our local church fellowship, all the time supposing that everything is rosy in the church across the street.
Or it is easy to go through life forever looking for friends who are absolutely ideal. We expect perfection in others even though we can’t produce it ourselves.
We should face the fact squarely that everyone has personality flaws, some more glaring than others. Often the more outstanding a person is, the more obvious his faults are. Instead of being disappointed with the flaws, we would do well to emphasize the good qualities in other believers. Everyone has some of these too. But only one Person has all of them combined, that is, the Lord Jesus.
I often think that the Lord has purposely left us with an unsatisfied desire for Perfection down here so that we will look off to Him in whom there is neither spot nor blemish. He represents the sum of all moral beauties. There is no disappointment in Him.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Life is marked by imperfection and sorrow
- All laughter is mingled with sorrow
- Every person and situation has flaws
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II
- The human longing for perfection is God-given
- Realism requires accepting imperfection in ourselves and others
- Disappointment often arises from unrealistic expectations
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III
- Recognize and appreciate the good qualities in others despite flaws
- Only Jesus embodies perfect moral beauty
- Our unsatisfied desire for perfection points us to Christ
Key Quotes
“Nothing is perfect in this life. All laughter is mingled with sorrow.” — William MacDonald
“Only one Person has all of them combined, that is, the Lord Jesus.” — William MacDonald
“The Lord has purposely left us with an unsatisfied desire for Perfection down here so that we will look off to Him in whom there is neither spot nor blemish.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Accept the imperfections in yourself and others with grace and understanding.
- Focus on the positive qualities in fellow believers rather than their flaws.
- Set your hope and longing for perfection on Jesus Christ, who is without blemish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful' mean?
It means that joy in this life is often mixed with sadness or difficulty, reflecting the imperfect nature of our world.
Why should we accept imperfection in others?
Because everyone has flaws, and expecting perfection leads to disappointment; focusing on good qualities fosters grace and understanding.
How does this sermon encourage believers?
It encourages believers to look beyond human flaws and set their hope on Jesus, who is perfect and without blemish.
What role does Jesus play in dealing with imperfection?
Jesus is the perfect example and the source of ultimate moral beauty, fulfilling our longing for perfection.