August 9: Flawless in his eyes

 Theme: Self-worth in Christ 

Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson,
Kings SDA church

Key Text: You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7

We were in strange land. It was our first visit to this church. My husband and I sat enjoying the service. As I looked across, I saw a schoolmate that I had not seen for over 25 years.  She was not a Christian. As I observed her reaction to the message I could see she was in a battle. 

The Holy Spirit told me to go over to her, but as I looked around, excuses came to mind. What if she doesn’t remember me? She is pretty far away; I would need to pass so many people and disrupt their worship just to get to her. 

As the alter call was made, I felt strongly the spirit prompting me to go over to her. I finally went and held her hand. She looked up and she instantly recognized me. I asked her if she would like to go to the alter, and without hesitation, she moved boldly.

In our conversation, she highlighted how she sat and wanted to respond to the call, but something kept telling her that she was not ready. She wanted to serve the Lord but she wanted to do it right. She wanted to be flawless.

For many years, I, too, struggled with being my own worst critic. Thoughts of my mistakes and failures haunted me. Although I tried to hang on, peace escaped. I was on a downward spin toward depression. Criticisms said in jest did not make it any better. The outside looked great, but the inside was in turmoil. I didn’t feel I was good enough.

The desire for perfection is a tool sometimes used by the devil to keep people from the only one who is perfect. 

Throughout history, Jesus didn’t call perfect people. 

Moses had a stutter. 

Paul was a persecutor of Christians.

Zacchaeus was a white-collared thief.

David was a murderer and adulterer. 

You and I may not be perfect, but Jesus is still calling us. He sees what we can become. 

When the woman at well went to Jesus, her community saw a prostitute. She looked in the mirror and saw a woman with husbands that were not her own. But Jesus looked at her and saw a Bible Worker, an Evangelist who was able to call many people to Him. 

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? 

I encourage you to take a look at yourself through the eyes of Jesus. Allow Him to take your flaws, cover them with his righteousness, and make you flawless. 

 Prayer 

Dear Jesus, 

No matter how hard we try, we will always fail. But, with you, we are overcomers. Thanks for your imputed righteousness. Help us to accept your grace and love and see ourselves and others through your eyes. Amen.

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