4 minute read
Leaving a Godly Legacy
A Legacy of Imperfection
BY KATHLEEN BARRETT
The Lord loves imperfect people. Imagine that! Happy me, for I am one of those. Yes, I belong to a vast family of unique, quirky, and flawed children. What did you say? Are you not imperfect? Let’s talk!
This month’s column is not a walk down biblical memory lane recounting all the woefully flawed characters of the Bible, changing colors because they knew God or had an encounter with Him. It is not even about sinners saved by grace, like the Apostle Paul who persecuted the faithful only to find he could still be loved and used by God.
This article is about how your family and dearest friends see you as you are and how they will remember you when you “fly” away. Leaving a legacy of imperfection is not a sin. God sees us as we are, should not our family? And if not a biological family, a chosen family, our co-workers, business associates, and church family?
In Mark 10:18 (NIV), Jesus asks a young ruler desiring His favor, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” The ruler recited all the commandments he had kept since he was a boy, but he failed to impress the rabbi. When it comes to the characteristics of God, goodness equates to perfection. The young ruler walked away, stunned. Perhaps because he knew he would never measure up.
When we shine in our own eyes because of rules we have kept, or if we constantly project a squeaky-clean, all-perfect, all-knowing aura, it sets others up for disappointment. Using a slang term, your family needs to know “you’re not all that.” They need to know that you will sometimes mess up when you try to do your best. The knowledge of that simple truth may go a long way in opening up healthy conversations, especially with young children and teens.
I recently spoke with a busy professional of two children under the age of ten. She said, “I try to impart as much wisdom as possible. I want my 8-year-old to know how to navigate in an uncertain world. But I also tell her that Mommy isn’t perfect. I can only give you my best advice. Sometimes it won’t be right.”
Leaving a legacy of imperfection relieves the stress of thinking you have to get everything right or have all the answers. In addition, leaving a legacy of this kind will allow your loved ones to understand that striving for perfection is not what you expected of them.
And, if you are a Bible basher – watch out! In this area, we are exceedingly imperfect – at least I am. Sharing the principles of the Bible must be done in humility and respect. One person’s method or theory of understanding the Bible could be far from your own. However, at the core of sharing, we must be constant disciples of the Bible – continually learning and growing. Therefore, we can ask the Lord for clarity, then share what we believe to be treasured and true. Yet, we must be ready to admit when we may have missed the mark. Imperfect-you will be esteemed and loved, nonetheless.
First Corinthians 13:9 NIV says it best, For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
Come, Perfection, come! Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Kathleen Barrett is an indie-published author and blogger on the Treasure Coast of Florida. She has written two books, co-authored one, and has numerous articles in various publications. She serves where and when needed in her church’s senior Legacy Group. Tending a modest garden and preparing Sunday afternoon feasts for her multi-cultural family brings joy. Visit her website, https://kathybarrettwrites.com/, Or contacther by email at kathybarrett222@yahoo.com.
