There’s No “I” in Jesus

When I was little, something used to bother me about my mother’s favorite bracelet. Made in Africa, it displayed different-colored beads on each side: green, red, orange, and white. Think of it as a fashionable Rubik’s cube for your wrist. Each side was perfectly uniform—except one. A single red dot paused the flow of the intricate orange beading. I thought the designer made a mistake, but my mother said it was done intentionally to show that God is the only One who is perfect. 

We have all strived for perfection in some area of our lives—whether it’s achieving the perfect eating plan, the perfect job, or the perfect marriage. It can all be quite exhausting or, more accurately, impossible! I have experienced deep agony in my own lack of perfection because I believed it was God’s will for me to be the absolute best in all that He wants me to be. But if we were perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus. We need a Savior not just when we make Him ours, but in every day of our lives. 

I believe Jesus was so displeased with the Pharisees because they would condemn people for not following laws perfectly—a mission that was meant for our Redeemer alone. Otherwise, we would look to ourselves instead of the cross. Now whenever I make a mistake—big or small—I consider it my own red dot woven into the colorful yet flawed tapestry of my life. None of us rejoice in our “red dots,” but we can rejoice in our God who works mightily on our behalf. 

The Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 2:21, I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (NIV) Although the red dot signifies our imperfections (sin), it leaves room for the Lord’s abundant grace. Are there any red dots in your less-than-perfect life? Are there any you’re ashamed of? If so, relax, rejoice, and remember: God is perfect, not us. 

Pray with me: Dear Jesus, thank You for covering our imperfections with Your boundless grace. When we sin, help us to move forward, thanks to Your conviction, rather than feel condemned. Let us trust You with our weaknesses and rely on You for our strength. Thank You for being perfect for us, so we don’t have to be. In Your flawless name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.