We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:28

It was right around Mother's Day one year that a small boy fearfully entered the lingerie section of a big department store.

In hushed tones he shyly presented his problem to a saleslady: "I want to buy my mom a present. I want to get her a slip, but I don't know what size she wears."

The lady asked, "Is your mom tall or short, fat or skinny?"

"I don't know, she's just perfect," confessed the small boy.

The salesperson dutifully wrapped up a slip in what most people consider a perfect size: 34.

I'm pleased to report two days later, the same salesgirl met the perfect mom who came to the store herself and changed the slip to a size 48.

This all goes to prove there is truth to the old adage: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Large or small, his mother's size made absolutely no difference to that boy. She was "just perfect."

Amazingly, that's the way the Lord looks at His saved people. True, we have our sins and shortcomings. But, because of the forgiveness won for us through Jesus' sacrifice we are able to stand before the Lord cleansed of every spot and stain.

How would Luther say it? We are saved "without any merit or worthiness in us ...." This means we are free to do our best in "thanking and praising, serving and obeying Him."

This is what we ought to do today and every day. After all, this day is also a gift from God.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, for the salvation You have given us through Your Son we are clothed in the white robe of forgiveness and salvation. May we, in all we do, give thanks. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 30-31    Luke 24:1-35

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