We kicked off a new series this past Sunday called If the Truth Be Told—and this week’s message might hit close to home: “If the truth be told, you can’t be perfect… no matter how hard you try.” Can I get a witness?
Let’s be honest. We try. We aim for excellence. We want to do the right thing, be the best version of ourselves, and live good, clean lives. And that’s all good. But perfection? That’s a whole different ball game. It’s not just hard—it’s impossible.
I’ve actually heard folks say they don’t sin anymore. Some even say they’ve reached a level of perfection. Preachers included. Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds, as the young folks might say… cray cray. (Did I say that right?)
Let’s go to the Word: Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
That includes you. That includes me. That includes every preacher, teacher, grandma, and even that sweet Sunday School kid who always remembers their memory verse. We all fall short.
So What Is Sin, Anyway?
Understanding sin helps us understand why perfection is off the table.
Let’s break it down:
Sin is Transgression of God’s Law
(1 John 3:4) – To transgress means to cross the line. God’s law is the fence, and when we step over it—even unintentionally—we’ve sinned. I’m a turkey hunter, and believe me, when a gobbler is on the other side of a posted fence, no matter how tempting it is, I know better than to trespass. Same goes with God’s law.
Sin is Rebellion Against God
(Deut. 9:7) – When we choose our way instead of God’s, we’re rebelling. It’s like saying, “No way, God—I’m doing it my way.” That’s rebellion, and yes, that’s sin.
Sin is Disobedience to God
Just ask Adam and Eve. God said don’t eat from that one tree… and they did. Their disobedience introduced sin to the whole human race.
Sin is Imputed
(Romans 5) – Even if you somehow made it through a day without actively sinning (doubtful), you still have a sin nature. It was passed down from Adam. It’s part of our DNA.
Sins of Omission
These are the things we should do, but don’t. Like praying. Giving. Helping. Obeying a prompting from the Holy Spirit—and not following through.
Sins of Commission
And then there are the things we shouldn’t do—but do anyway. Lying. Gossiping. Acting out in anger. You name it.
That’s a long list—and no one escapes it. Not even Paul. In Romans 7, he admits to doing the very things he hates and failing to do the things he knows he should. Sound familiar?
Why Admitting You're a Sinner Is Actually a Good Thing
At first, it sounds bad—of course it does. But there’s something freeing about admitting it.
Because until you admit that you're a sinner, you can’t fix the sin problem. And that sin? It’s not a minor issue. It separates you from God. Eternally.
But God didn’t leave us hanging.
The Solution: Salvation Leads to Sanctification
Salvation is accepting what Jesus did for you—His death on the cross and His resurrection. It’s placing your faith in Him, not in your own works.
And when you do that? You’re set on a path of sanctification—a spiritual growth journey that makes you more like Jesus.
Let’s look at how sanctification works:
It’s Instant at Salvation
(1 Corinthians 6:11) – The moment you're saved, God sets you apart. You’re washed, justified, and sanctified. You're a new creation. You may not be perfect yet, but you're not who you used to be.
It’s Progressive
(2 Peter 3:18) – You grow in grace. You grow in knowledge. Over time, you should look more and more like Jesus. But growth takes effort: prayer, scripture, community, service. Don’t stay a baby Christian forever. Move on to solid food.
It Will One Day Be Complete
(1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) – Either through death or the return of Jesus, one day you’ll be completely sanctified. The old nature will be gone. You’ll be made perfect in His presence.
So What’s the Takeaway?
If the truth be told… you’re not perfect. You never will be on this side of heaven. But if you’ve been saved, you’re on the road. And that road leads to a glorious finish.
The real question is: Have you started that journey?
Have you received Jesus as your Savior?
If not, today is the perfect day to begin. And if you have—keep growing. Keep leaning into grace. Keep walking that road of sanctification. Because while you may never reach perfection in this life, you are becoming more like Jesus every day.
And one day? You’ll see Him face to face—made whole, complete, and perfect in His presence.
Because if the truth be told… we’re all sinners.
But by the grace of God, we don’t have to stay that way. 🙌
