Infirmity

Perfection does not mean that we are “humanly perfect”. We all see in part and know in part (1 Cor 13:10). We all have character faults. There is none perfect in this sense this side of the resurrection and there never will be. It is not right to expect it of people. Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet 4:8). Mercy rejoices over judgement (James 2:13).

We have infirmity as humans, in body, in motives and in thought (Heb 4:14). This does not mean that we have sin. It teaches us to continue to rely on God and not on ourselves. In our weakness we are strong, by faith in Him and not in pride or self-confidence. It teaches us humility. Infirmity will never go in this life. There is no perfection in human life that will remove it. This is why we are called to love one another.

We learn to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves. We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the glory may be of Him and not of us, so we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (2 Cor 4:5-7). His strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9). We go on in the power of God despite our personal failings and forgiving the personal failings of others.

This is not an excuse for sin, or for covering sin in ministry. He that sins in one or more of the Three G’s, “gold, glory or girls”, disqualifies himself from ministry. It is not a matter of others disqualifying him, exposing him or coming against “the Lord’s anointed”. (1 Cor 9:27).

For this reason we keep the flesh under. If we cover the sin of a minister of the gospel we are an accomplice to his/her sin. We may also be breaking the civil law. Here we are not speaking about minor imperfections, but immorality and unethical behaviour.

My wife once wrote a letter to encourage a friend about imperfection in the church:
Some people have been misled and it will take God time to convict them about their wrong attitudes and behaviours and some will not listen. The church (every church) has always been like that and it will be until we are clothed in Christ’s perfection (resurrection). I cannot assume I am doing it all right either. I am sure I am not, but if I keep my heart open to God He will show me how to do better and be patient with other less-than-perfect people.

Paul said:
It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless.
I’m not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn’t mean much. The Master makes that judgment.

So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When He comes, He will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God. (Message Bible, 1 Cor 4:3-5).