It has been said that until we understand the depths of our sin, we cannot fully see the need and power of our Savior. This was certainly true for me. 

I spent the early part of my life trying to be a good person and convinced myself that I was. I was often called a perfectionist because of my high standard for everything I put my hand to.  It didn’t matter if it was my artwork, my schoolwork, or my self-perceived goodness. 

I excelled far beyond every standard I had been given, until one evening in August of 1989, when I heard about a new standard.  One of absolute perfection; God’s standard of righteousness. Not only could I not meet it, but I had already broken every aspect of it.  

More difficult than my inability to keep the standard, was the consequence of my sin and rather than having to endure that unbearable weight, there was One who took the full weight upon Himself.  For a guy who had shut out the entire world and all of the emotions with it, I was overtaken by grief and gratitude. 

In that moment, the LORD revealed to me:

• My sin
• My need
• My Savior

While faith grows, it is built on those foundational truths that were secured in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  I am forever grateful for His perfect plan that brought me to a place of worship and understanding by letting me feel the weight of my sin and likewise that burden lifted.  

Reflection

Do you remember understanding the weight of your sin and your need of your Savior for the first time? 

Think back to the moment you grasped the finished work at the cross that has been done for you and just meditate on that for a moment. 

This should not be a once a year activity on Easter.  Instead, make it a point to daily praise God for the wonderful freedom you enjoy through the wonderful finished work of His Son at the cross.  

Prayer

Father, you alone have the power to rescue and lift us from the hopeless graves we have comfortably dwelt in.  Open our eyes to our sin, our need, and our Savior each and every day that we may present our bodies as a living sacrifice to You in Jesus’ name. Amen!