We’ve all said or heard these words. They seem to be an expression of deep humility and self-deprecation. In truth, however, the statement is an assertion that imperfection is a central ingredient of human-ness. This equivalence discredits the entire work of the Father. 

Only two human beings have walked the earth: the First Adam (Genesis 2:20) and the Second Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:45) The Father created “humans” according to a specific design: “God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself.“  (Genesis 1:27)

Sadly, the Creator’s blueprint was slashed, eventuating in the disfigurement of humankind. It was like spiritual Alzheimer’s, the image of God disappeared; but the loss was instantaneous. By way of rebellion and disobedience the first Adam forfeited his human state. Adam and his descendants have become SUB–HUMAN. 

Of course, the Father of Lies (John 8:44) was and is a major actor in this catastrophe. ” His primary strategy is deception. … “I’m not perfect, I’m only human.”

“I am … the Truth….” (John 14:6) Jesus came not only to display and demonstrate the character of God; he also came to display and demonstrate the design of the Creator; that is, an authentic human being. At Jesus’ trial Pilate uttered words these words: “Behold the man!” (John 19:5) Pilate was clueless about the deep meaning of his words. “Here’s an authentic human”

What’s required to experience life as an authentic human? Richard Rohr writes: “Surrender is not ‘giving up‘, as we tend to think, nearly as much as it is a ‘giving to‘. AA’s third step captures the essence of surrender: “Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God...”  “You have begun life as the new man, who is out to learn what he ought to be, according to the plan of God.” (Colossians 3:8)

“I’m not perfect, I’m only human.” Imperfection is completely antithetical to human-ness! Jesus is proof positive!