Martin Luther spent the greater part of his young life trying to live up to his father’s expectations of him, his peers’ opinions of him and the church’s requirements of him.  He thought if only He was a better person, lived a pious life, said more prayers, beat himself up both mentally and physically he might measure up.  When the scriptures were finally revealed to Him, he realized that his sin had been paid for – his place in heaven was guaranteed.  Nothing that he could do would ever match that.

So often we go through life trying to meet the “standard” of perfection.  We dress the right way,  go to church,  help others, take care of our families.  Our lives seem perfect – or are they?  Do we feel defeated when we don’t succeed at the pace we want?  Do we give up when we  can’t take the everyday stresses of life?  Do we belittle ourselves until people finally agree with us?

God doesn’t want us to live that way.   If we give up on ourselves, were in fact giving up on Him.  His hands formed us.  He breathed the breath of life into us.  He walks with us every day.  He has a plan for our lives.  He has prepared perfection for our lives after death.   Our works are done not to buy our salvation, but because of our gratitude for what has been done by Him.

Lord, because of Your love for me, I’ve been made perfect in Your sight.  When I start getting down on myself, remind me of Your constant presence in my life.   Help me to remember how much You gave to buy me back.  In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!