Why the Presence of Imperfect People Doesn’t Invalidate a Divine Church

Jesus Christ offered a sobering and deeply realistic view of spiritual life in a fallen world. He warned of deception and false prophets, and He cautioned against superficial belief. At the same time, He gave hope and direction by establishing a Church, giving authority to chosen servants, and promising the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide and confirm truth.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these teachings aren’t abstract—they help explain the pattern and purpose of the Restoration in a world still full of spiritual confusion. They also offer a needed perspective when critics point to imperfections in Church history or leadership, as if flaws among individuals somehow discredit divine purposes.

The Wheat and the Tares: A Church with Opposition Inside and Out

In the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24–30), Jesus describes a man who sowed good seed in his field, only to have an enemy sow tares (weeds) among the wheat. When the servants ask whether they should pull up the tares, the master says no: “Let both grow together until the harvest.” The message is powerful—God allows good and evil to exist side-by-side, even within the same field, until a time of judgment.

Latter-day Saints can look to this parable as a realistic explanation of why, even in the true Church, not every member or leader will act perfectly. Critics sometimes accuse the Church of hypocrisy if anyone among its ranks falls short—but Jesus preemptively addressed this issue. The presence of tares doesn’t prove the field isn’t His—it proves His long-suffering and His plan to let truth and error reveal themselves over time.

Judas Among the Twelve: Chosen Doesn’t Mean Incorruptible

Perhaps the clearest example of this principle is Judas Iscariot. He was hand-picked by Jesus, witnessed miracles, and carried the money for the Twelve. And yet, he betrayed the Savior. If such a man could sit at Jesus’ side, then surely modern prophets and apostles can also face betrayal or misjudgment in their midst.

This isn’t a flaw in the divine system—it’s a reflection of human agency. Judas’s presence among the Twelve didn’t invalidate Christ’s Church or mission. It revealed the seriousness of choice, even among the chosen.

Similarly, in the Latter-day Restoration, imperfect individuals—sometimes even in high positions—may falter. This does not disprove the truthfulness of the Restoration; it proves how persistent and patient God is in working with flawed humanity.

Authority and Apostasy: Christ’s Pattern Repeated

Christ frequently warned about counterfeit messengers: “Many shall come in my name… and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:5), and “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21–23). But He didn’t stop at warnings—He established a clear system of authority: He ordained apostles (John 15:16), emphasized revelation (John 16:13), and promised the Holy Spirit to confirm truth (John 14:26).

That divine structure was lost over time through apostasy, division, and political influence. Latter-day Saints believe that Joseph Smith was called to restore, not reinvent, Christ’s Church. Like Jesus, Joseph taught through familiar cultural symbols—including Masonic motifs—not to imitate them (see here for more), but to reorient the spiritual patterns they resembled toward higher eternal purposes.

False Prophets vs. True Messengers: How Do We Know the Difference?

Jesus gave a simple test: “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). The Restoration, despite its critics, has produced powerful fruits: millions of converts, strong families, a global humanitarian effort, scripture rooted in Christ, and a culture of personal revelation, repentance, and covenant keeping.

True messengers won’t be free from opposition—even Jesus was accused of blasphemy. Joseph Smith was likewise maligned and misunderstood, but like the prophets of old, he consistently pointed people to Christ and taught them to prepare for His coming. However, like David or Moses, Joseph Smith was not without his own misgivings, and potential abuses and manipulation.

“He That Is Not Against Us Is With Us”: A Broad Tent of Truth

When Jesus’ disciples tried to silence someone casting out devils in His name, He replied, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us” (Luke 9:50). This spirit of inclusion reflects a larger reality: God is working among many people in many ways. Latter-day Saints believe the fullness of the gospel has been restored, but that doesn’t mean others lack truth or inspiration.

The Restoration honors what is good in other traditions, while inviting all to come to Christ through His restored ordinances and priesthood power.

Conclusion: The Church Is True, Even If People Aren’t Perfect

The presence of tares doesn’t invalidate the wheat. The betrayal of Judas didn’t undo the calling of the Twelve. And imperfections in modern Church history or leadership don’t disprove the Restoration—they fulfill the pattern Jesus taught.

Rather than assuming the existence of flawed individuals disproves divine authority, we might ask: Does the structure align with the pattern Jesus gave? Do its fruits point to Him? In this light, the Restoration isn’t just plausible—it’s powerfully prophetic.

Jesus warned us to expect both imitation and imperfection. But He also promised that His sheep would know His voice. The invitation remains: come and see.