As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom. 3:10)
AN EVENING NEWS PROGRAM featured a young woman who turned to plastic surgery in an effort to improve her online appearance. Unhappy with the photos that popped up on social media sites, she decided to make adjustments in her face and body, so she could feel secure with the selfies and shares viewed by the virtual world. We’ve heard similar stories before—people addicted to plastic surgery in an exhausting effort to achieve physical perfection in a world where perfection doesn’t exist.
Striving to do and be our best is admirable, but refusing to accept our human limitations is not. God is capable of perfection. We are not. He created innumerable perfect plants and places in this world, but He created only one perfect man.
Paul reminded the Christians in Rome and today’s Christians that we cannot be found innocent, blameless, or worthy of salvation. Though God loves and cherishes us, we may not earn a seat alongside Him. It is only through Christ that we can be redeemed and our sins forgiven.
It’s unfortunate when we spend more energy and resources working toward outward perfection than we do on correcting our inner ugliness. The reverse would be preferable. Whether we’re talking about our insides or outsides, we can’t reach perfection. His perfect saving grace is the very best we can hope for or want.
Honor God daily by doing your best; be thankful for His grace when you don’t.
Hally Franz is a former high school guidance counselor turned stay-at-home mom. She enjoys being a 4-H leader, church secretary, book club member, and traveler.
