The Imperfection of Mankind
A Note
Our problems1 are limitless, far-reaching, and complex, and they are hidden behind a veil of misunderstanding and a tragic coup for power. Now, as stewards of profound knowledge2, we are rendered more incapable, inconceivably evil, and woefully ignorant of our need for a savior despite the crimson trail snaking through history.
Collectively, we're all stumbling through the dark3. But the lamp of God's word is our guiding light4 and rescue from the stronghold of culture and its attempts to be clever with good-sounding arguments5 that stroke the intellect and yet neglect the heart, who you are at your core. Your envy. Your hatred. Your lust. Your deceitfulness. Your inability to uphold God's Holy and perfect standard.6
Life is a journey we all must undertake, filled with its own challenges and hardships. In this journey, there are no easy solutions, quick fixes, and no government intervention or town hall meetings that can eradicate the problems we face (it’s a spiritual battle). However, what we can aspire to is finding comfort amidst our struggles and seeking reconciliation with our Creator through Christ.7
Life can be compared to a hospice rather than a hospital. While the latter may offer hope for a cure, the former acknowledges the inevitability of our mortal existence and the powerlessness to heal ourselves.8 Nevertheless, we can count on God to make our brief moment across time as uncomfortably interesting9 and kind as possible.
In this quest for a meaningful life, it is essential to lean on our faith10, find solace in our imperfections, which allows us to take refuge in the perfection of Christ11, and work towards positively impacting those around us through created and real experiences of truth and beauty that adorns and marks The Gospel. While we may not have all the answers to life's mysteries, we can embrace the journey with courage, grace, and a steadfast determination to live a life that honors God.12
To Thy Matchless Glory 👑
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” - Genesis 3:4-5
And the way of peace they do not know. - Romans 3:17
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. - Colossians 2:2-4
He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” - Mark 7:20-23
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19:21
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:22-24
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to livein order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12