In my last post, I wrote about how we should strive for perfection, even though we’re not able to reach such a state. As we work towards this goal, we must also remember that others are doing likewise - they too are striving for perfection, but aren’t there yet. This applies to everyone in our lives, from Church leaders to friends to family members. Don’t judge others for their imperfections, but instead appreciate the help and good things that they accomplish, rather than focusing on those negative aspects of their personality.
At a recent talk here at the MTC, the speaker shared the story of a man who lied to his brothers, initially didn’t help them in their their time of need, and, when he finally did provide them aid, planted an object on one of them in order to unfairly arrest him. Even though he knew that they were innocent, he unfairly threw his brother into prison. With just this story and no other background, one would think of this man as a cruel person. However, when one better knows his story and understands the situation and why he is doing these things, we can understand that this man not only great loves and cares for his brothers, but in fact is trying to do what will help them best. This man was Joseph, the prophet of God who was sold into Egypt by these same brothers.
Just as we can’t properly judge Joseph without properly understanding his position, we shouldn’t judge others, particularly within the Church. How easy it is to see someone walk into Sacrament Meeting one Sunday fifteen minutes late and think, “Oh, he must have been sleeping in, putting his own needs before what is important,” or “He must not really have a desire to be here; someone must be making him come,” without understanding that perhaps that same person had to walk to Church, as his family had turned him out of his home for his faith and beliefs.
Even our leaders sometimes are not perfect. They may make choices or decisions that we may view as unjust. Sometimes, they might share an opinion with which we don’t agree. Rather than furiously raging against them, we can each acknowledge that they, too, are imperfect, but are striving to be better through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church and its members are like a finely decorated box containing a priceless pearl. The box gives the pearl a place to rest, protects it, and gives it a beautiful backdrop to amplify its beauty. However, it is the pearl itself that is valuable and perfect. The box may be marred or flawed, but the pearl is what is perfect.
Let us each focus on the pearl - the gospel of Jesus Christ that we are all trying to follow. Don’t judge others for their actions, and be kind and charitable, even in the face or their mistakes or imperfections. As we each do this, we will better be able to help one another in our mutual goal to become more like the Savior, and follow His perfect example.