Faults of men

 

It is incredibly easy to list the faults and flaws of the generation that came before us.  

It is also easy to dismiss and criticize the generation that follows us.  

It is harder to focus on our own flaws, so within our own generation it is a tendency to look around and see whose flaws “make us” fall short, feel a certain way or struggle.  

It is initially uncomfortable and frustrating to enumerate our own shortcomings and even more so to own them and work on them.  That is called being human. 

As I was reading the introduction page to the Book of Mormon, this phrase stuck out to me: 

“And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.”

If there are faults, they are the mistakes of men.

If God had used only perfect people there would be no plan.

We are what He had to work with.

It’s been that way through all the history of the world and will continue. 

And while this may make it difficult at times when others are imperfect, it means he can work miracles right here, right now with our own imperfection.  

What a beautiful promise that is!  He sees greatness in each of us! We are a part of hope. 

Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf spoke of this very principle. “I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes.

In the title page of the Book of Mormon we read, “And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.”

This is the way it has always been and will be until the perfect day when Christ Himself reigns personally upon the earth.

It is unfortunate that some have stumbled because of mistakes made by men. But in spite of this, the eternal truth of the restored gospel found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not tarnished, diminished, or destroyed.”

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So recognize and learn from and try to amend errors learned through those who come before, but don’t forget to also embrace with gratitude the difficulties they have overcome for us and the goodness taught and shared.  

And go ahead and be cautious about the changes and decisions being made by the next generation, but also aware they are learning and adjusting from our mistakes. And trust with complete assurance that their next generations will do a fine job of helping them see where they fell short.

But also trust that the personal revelation each of us receives now is for US.  It’s for us to adjust and correct OUR OWN imperfections.  To forgive and learn and repent and grow as we try day by day and step by step to become more like our Savior.  

God reveals his perfect love through imperfect people.