We have regrettably brought the idea of perfection into our churches. We have invited God to help us attain a perfect life. It seems odd that the life we envision is more like the American Dream than like the life the Bible speaks about. The life of the Bible, in which we are required to count the costs, take up our cross, or consider persecution blessed opportunity. We sometimes think the Christian life is God helping us attain the American Dream. We work hard to serve God and walk in obedience believing that we will avoid suffering. When our perfect life doesn’t materialize, we start to think that God is not concerned about us, or worse, that he is angry with us.
When I suffered from a less than perfect life, my first response was to try to be better for God. Although I did question whether God cared, I knew the Bible, and of course God cared. There was too much evidence. So I decided I had let God down, and if I just work harder, then he would give me the American Dream Christian Life. I actually believed that if I had learned the lessons God had tried to teach me, then I could have avoided the pain and brokenness.
These ideas were not what I intellectually espoused; I knew that the Scripture said that we would suffer in our service of Jesus. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). I understood that people could sin against us. “Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous” (Psalm 38:19). I knew that people all across the world were martyred for the cause of Christ and yet they trusted God. “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies” (Psalm 118:6–7). Somehow I still allowed the influence of my culture to affect my attitudes, and believed that my life was going to be “perfect”.
When the myth was exposed, I had a choice. I could believe God’s Word, or I could live in disappointment and despair. God said to the hurting, fearful, and despairing, do not be afraid for I am with you always. I was the hurting, fearful and despairing. I had to accept the fact that I was broken and know in my head and heart that God didn’t expect perfection. He expected faith and trust.
“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:3–7).