Why does God permit imperfection in His world? Why does God allow babies to be born with physical and mental challenges? Why does God allow limbs not to move, eyes not to see, mouths not to speak, and ears not to hear? Why does God allow children to be born with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome or spina bifida? Not only do skeptics ask this question, but Christians also struggle, as they try to uncover answers to such questions.
Where is the perfection of God in view of such imperfections? How can a perfect God allow such imperfection in His creation? I don’t pretend to have all the answers to human suffering, but I do know there are some things that help me deal with such difficult questions. One comes from a change in perspective.
From God’s perspective, the imperfection may not be in those with physical and mental challenges, but in a healthy person’s uncompassionate response to these individuals.
How compassionate are we with those who have challenges? How patient and understanding are we with their trials? Do they have too many troubles and problems to make getting involved with them worthwhile? Are we inconvenienced and maybe even resentful of their demands on our time and lifestyle? Are we annoyed at their presence or even worse, embarrassed by them?
While Jesus walked this earth, He was God in the flesh (John 1:1,14). He encountered people who were burdened by imperfect bodies. In fact, multitudes of people with physical challenges flocked to him because they knew He was one who was willing to have compassion upon them.
On one occasion, a leper came to Jesus for help (Mark 1:41). The text says that Jesus had compassion on him and healed him. But not only did Jesus heal him, He also reached out and touched him! I wonder how long it had been since anyone had touched this leper? This passage gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus. He wasn’t one who stood at arm’s distance from those who were suffering, but rather, He reached out and literally touched their lives.
So, with just a change in perspective, this issue of “imperfection” shifts subjects. Instead of focusing on those who have physical and mental challenges, the focus may be centered on people who have spiritual challenges. Maybe the imperfection that God takes note of is in you and me.