The most believable characters in stories always possess flaws.
Why? Readers can relate. None of us are perfect, so we identify with characters
who struggle with imperfections—a sharp tongue, impulsiveness, cowardice,
alcoholism—whatever the flaw, there are always readers who think to themselves,
Been there; done that!
The books in the Bible are full of people with flawed characters. Abraham lied to protect himself; Sarah lacked faith and laughed at God; Jacob deceived his father and cheated his brother; David lusted, coveted, and committed adultery and murder; Jonah tried to run from God and had no compassion for the lost; Peter acted impetuously and denied Jesus; Paul, who persecuted Christians, calls himself “the worst of sinners”—and the list could go on and on.
Why didn’t God just preserve the good examples, like Enoch, Joseph, Ruth, Mary, and Dorcas? God knew we would become discouraged and would feel His followers were unrealistic saints. The common flaws of the people we read about in the Bible show us that these servants of God were everyday people just like us. Despite their sins and weaknesses, God used them not only to bring about His will during their lifetime, but to teach generation after generation His ways.
They give me hope—hope that God can use me despite my shortcomings and failures. Their stories offer me assurance—assurance that God loves me, no matter how imperfect I am.
God’s Word says everyone sins; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. (Romans 3:23) But thankfully, just a few chapters later, we read, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Is there a particular follower of God mentioned in the Bible with whom you identify? What reassurance can you draw from the account of his/her life?
Be encouraged!
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