There’s a nonprofit organization in the D.C. area–Melwood–that provides job training and employment opportunities for people of “differing” abilities. They run commercials with the theme “I’m Perfect For The Job.” They are a moving reminder that everyone has something to offer, even if they don’t fit our preconceptions of the “perfect” job candidate.
Perfect For The Job
I thought about this advertisement–and the idea of being perfect for the job at hand despite your imperfections–when our post-communion prayer included this line:
May God make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight.
The prayer doesn’t ask to be made perfect, but to be made perfect for the job of doing God’s will.
I thought about this again when our readings reminded me how imperfect the people God chose to do his will have been. King David is known as being the humble shepherd boy elevated to King of Israel, but if you quit going to church after Sunday School, you may have missed out on learning that he fell for one of his soldier’s wives, got her pregnant, sent the soldier off into a dangerous battle where he knew he would be killed, and took the woman (Bathsheba) as his wife. At least the Bible tells us that this “displeased the Lord.”
The story of David and Bathsheba is in 2 Samuel 11.
David faces dire consequences for his actions in 2 Samuel 12.
I keep thinking about this when I am overwhelmed by the BIG problems in the world, and my inadequacy to solve them. I find myself guilty of not doing anything because I can’t do everything. But that’s not the job God has in mind for me. I am not perfect for the job of establishing world peace, solving world hunger, or curing cancer. But I am perfect for other jobs–smaller jobs–that help God’s will be done. I need to remember that even if I can’t help everyone, I can help someone.
I am perfect for that job.
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Even for those of us who aren’t religious, the message is the same–we just have to believe we can do the job at hand!
What’s the saying – don’t let perfect be the enemy of good? I need to remember that doing good is good enough.
My old boss used to say this and it’s so helpful to see things this way
Really interesting perspective! I think we all feel helpless to help at some point.
I think if you look at the big picture, it can be overwhelming, but you can make a difference on an individual level.
I totally love your perspective on this. Definitely a message that I can relate too.
Thanks, Kim. I’ve been struggling with this but realizing that I’ve been paralyzed by the big picture.