Seeing Our Imperfections
The sermon emphasizes that we will never find absolute perfection in this life, and encourages us to focus on the good qualities in others and in the Lord Jesus.
William MacDonald emphasizes the reality of human imperfections, noting that even in moments of joy, sorrow is present. He points out that while we aspire for perfection, it is essential to recognize that flaws are inherent in everyone and everything. MacDonald encourages believers to focus on the positive attributes of others rather than their shortcomings, reminding us that only Jesus embodies true perfection. This longing for perfection serves to direct our hearts towards Christ, who is without blemish and represents the ultimate moral beauty.
Text
Â"Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful.Â" (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, thereÂ'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 donÂ'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 canÂ'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
- I. Imperfections in Life
- A. Nothing is perfect in this life
- B. All laughter is mingled with sorrow
- II. The Ideal vs. Reality
- A. It is good to be idealistic, but realistic about perfection
- B. We will never find absolute perfection under the sun
- III. Comparing Ourselves to Others
- A. We often compare our families or churches to others
- B. We expect perfection in others, but can't produce it ourselves
- IV. Emphasizing the Good
- A. We should emphasize the good qualities in others
- B. Everyone has some good qualities, but only one person has all of them combined
Key Quotes
“Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful.” — William MacDonald
“It is good to be idealistic; God has set within us a longing for perfection.” — William MacDonald
“There is no disappointment in Him.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- We should be realistic about perfection and not expect it in ourselves or others.
- We should emphasize the good qualities in others and recognize that everyone has some flaws.
- We should look to the Lord Jesus as the one who represents the sum of all moral beauties and has no disappointment in Him.