Not that I have already obtained it or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Philippians 3:12, AMP

As Christian educators, we know that being human means being imperfect. We make mistakes. We don’t always have the right answers. We sometimes lose our patience or wish we could handle a situation differently. But our imperfections don’t disqualify us from being effective teachers. In fact, when we humbly acknowledge them, they can help us connect with our students in meaningful ways.

When we read today’s verse, we know that Paul understood this. He wasn’t pretending to have everything figured out. He recognized that he was still growing, and he was determined to keep pressing forward.

Our students need to know that they can do the same.

When a student struggles to understand a concept, makes a mistake, or becomes frustrated with an assignment, we can respond with patience and empathy. We know what it feels like to struggle. We can remind them that not understanding something today doesn’t mean they can’t learn it tomorrow.

Sometimes, hearing a teacher say, “I don’t have all the answers either, but we can figure this out together,” can make a student feel less alone.

We can also foster a culture of humility in our classrooms by being willing to acknowledge our own mistakes. When appropriate, admitting that we were wrong, apologizing when we’ve handled something poorly, or sharing that we are still learning can show students that growth isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing to learn, receive grace, and continue moving forward.

You don’t have to be a perfect teacher to make a lasting difference. You simply need to be willing to keep growing, learning, and pressing forward. When we model humility, extend grace, and refuse to give up, we show our students that growth doesn’t require perfection and that God can use imperfect people who are willing to keep moving forward with Him.

Lord, please forgive me for my weaknesses, and help me take responsibility for improving upon them. Let me and my students be brave in sharing the imperfections we have, and allow us to move forward together in a safe and inclusive classroom environment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Ryan Cerny.

Ryan Cerny is a Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Publication student at Biola University. He currently serves as a high school teacher in a California public school.