I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14—NIV)

I wonder. Has there ever been a time when so great a number of people were unhappy with their God-given attributes? The source of their unhappiness comes from a stew of feelings made up of a perception of their physical shape, size, athletic abilities, intellect, looks, acceptance among peers, and degree of conformity to a cultural definition of perfection. These feelings often skew one’s sense of success in career, relationships, and future. This unhappiness is a powerful tool Satan can use to daily defeat the ablest Christian, thereby affecting eternal reward.

It began in the Garden of Eden after God had created man, both male and female. God was the standard of perfection. Then came the fall and conscience came with shame in its toolbox. The advent of conscience does not mean that the standard of perfection has changed. It means that our perception of perfection has changed. We do not listen to God. For defining our perception of perfection we look to our fellow men, who all are, aging, diminishing, failing, and living with a perception deficit, just like us!

God graciously gives us reminders of His sovereign grace toward us throughout Scripture. "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." "Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."

Discontent over the unchangeable is an enemy of your soul. I do not mean that you should ignore the Holy Spirit’s conviction which unsettles and stirs you up to righteous endeavor. His work is to restore the rightful standard of perfection to your line of sight. Any other discontent falls under the condemnation of "whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

Believer, let faith find its footing in Psalm 139:14. Let your stewardship of your God-given attributes be a testimony of praise to the Most High. You have been wrought by your Heavenly Father. God is your standard of perfection. All eternal success flows from Him.

In light of His standard, what must you endeavor for Him today?