Perfected in Christ

The Jordan River baptismal sight

"The church is perfect; the people are not."

This is a common phrase taught to many young Latter-day Saints by their parents when they don't know how to explain why those who claim to be disciples of Christ are hurtful. I have used it for years, but recently, it just feels wrong. Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perfect? I'm just not so sure.

In 2 Kings, we learn of a powerful man named Naaman who is afflicted with leprosy. When he asks the prophet to be healed, he is told to wash seven times in the Jordan River. First, Naaman questions the method because he expects to do nothing more than ask and be healed. Next, he questions the Jordan River because it is dirty, and Damascus has much nicer rivers. Because he wasn’t healed in the way he was expecting and the conditions were not ideal, he “went away in a rage.”

But the water on its own wasn't what would cleanse Naaman. It was the power of Christ. It was obedience. Healing came to Naaman because he chose to follow the instruction of the Lord's chosen servant. The water was only part of the equation!

How often do we see our friends and families turn away from the church in a rage because of some piece of doctrine that they don’t understand? How often are members leaving because they have been wronged by other members of the congregation or even leadership? How many have turned away from their covenants because they struggle with issues in the church’s history?

The water might be dirty, but it can cleanse you all the same because Christ authorized it. The people in your ward might be terrible, but the sacred ordinance of the sacrament is your washing. Following the prophet might not make logical sense to you, but blessings come from obedience. Our Prophets and Apostles throughout history have never been perfect. Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and modern-day prophets are mere men. Good men, but imperfect human beings. They are charged with the constant restoration of Christ's church, and they make mistakes.

I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I no longer consider it perfect. It is a work in progress, like the rest of us. I believe that sometimes things are done sloppily, like when a toddler spills flour while helping their mom make cookies. The mom is in charge and knows the cookies will still turn out, but the toddler needs to learn and practice. Sometimes that means making mistakes. But if you throw in the towel at the first sign of spilled flour, you miss out on the cookies!

Heavenly Father allows the prophets to make mistakes because they must also learn. Words may cause hurt feelings and tension. Policies change and evolve. We are asked to do hard things. Don't walk away from the church, the prophet, the priesthood keys, and power because of doctrine, history, or policies you don't understand or agree with. Don't walk away from Christ by turning your back on the covenants you made with Him through the priesthood power that only comes through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you have left the church in a rage,

If you have made decisions that you think disqualify you from the cleansing power of Christ,

Think again.

Remember that Naaman stormed off in a rage, but after he had some time to reflect on his actions with the help of his faithful friends, he came back and was cleansed.

The offer of cleansing wasn’t rescinded because Naaman didn’t immediately choose obedience. Second, third, and fourth chances will always be given. 70 times 7 chances will be given. The Lord is always ready and waiting to bless you. Come back to your covenants. Come back to Him. There is no shame in admitting you made a mistake. Forgiveness and a joyous reunion await your return. You are a precious child of a loving and perfect Heavenly Father. You are loved by a Savior who literally gave everything, suffered everything, so that you can have that joyous reunion. Come back to Him and be made whole.