Imperfection in a perfect Church

Christ the Healer

     Here is an insight from the Givens (“The Ring of Pharaoh,” The Crucible of Doubt, pp. 73-82) which gives me much comfort, as it reflects upon both my efforts to lead and to follow in the Church.  In their chapter about our dealings with and expectations of our leaders in the Church, both local and general, that we are required to sustain and follow fallible human beings, they teach of how thoroughly God relies on the principle of delegation to both further his work and help persons to grow.  Delegation requires that God sanctions and honors decisions made on earth, if sincerely executed, even if they are not a perfect reflection of heavenly wisdom.
     B. H. Roberts has stated, “I think it is a reasonable conclusion to say that constant, never-varying inspiration is not a factor in the administration of the affairs even of the Church; not even good men, no, not though they be prophets or other high officials of the Church, are at all times and in all things inspired of God.”  Part of the test for each of us, is that God asks for us to receive the words of the prophet (and for that matter, the words of other leaders, both local and general), “as if from my own mouth, in all patience and faith.” (D&C 21:5).  Why patience and faith?  Because we are obligated to find out for ourselves the level of inspiration involved in a pronouncement.  And also, this will be the action of a well-intentioned but less-than-perfect leader, and may very well place our own faith on trial.
     “God said that he would have a tried people.  But he doesn’t have to do the trying.  We do most of it to each other–through the very weakness designed to bring us all, fallible leaders and struggling disciples, to Christ the Healer.” (p. 79)
     Even if leaders make errors as they try to execute their callings, God can and will transmute these into goodness.  As evidence, the Givens cite the story of Joseph being sold into Egypt, Joseph Smith’s experience in the Liberty jail (D&C 122) and Lehi’s blessing to his son Jacob (2 Nephi 2:1-2).
     The closing challenge from the Givens:
     “ “Imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with,” reminds Elder Jeffrey Holland.  “That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but he deals with it.  So should we.”  Generosity with our own inept attempts to serve and minister to each other in a lay church, charity toward those in leadership who, as President Dieter Uchtdorf noted, have “said or done [things] that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine,” and faith in Christ’s Atonement that makes up the human deficit–these could be the balm of Gilead for which both wounded disciples and striving leaders seek” (p. 82)
     There we have it:
– GENEROSITY toward our own inept efforts
– CHARITY toward those in leadership
– FAITH in Christ’s Atonement to make up any deficit