Because of the ever-so-shiny false reality we see through social media everyday, it’s easy to be self-critical; even when we understand that the facade presented on Instagram and Facebook is just that, we often can’t help comparing ourselves to others. A little bit of comparison doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, it can be motivating or encouraging. But if we’re not careful, it’s a dangerously steep downward spiral into obsessing over the unattainable. 

More often than not, impossible goals are going to leave us feeling discouraged. Christians spend their entire lives striving for the impossible: to emulate Jesus’ character and feel worthy of God’s love. So how can we use Jesus’ life and God’s love as motivation, instead of allowing it to hang over our heads dauntingly, like a grey cloud?

“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18, NIV)

Sin nature is unavoidable for all of us, we are always going to fall short. We will never be perfect, and still God cares about us. Despite humankind’s downfalls throughout history, God has never given up on us and even allowed His son to die to redeem our sins. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV)

I still fall into the trap of becoming overly self-critical. If I’m not praying enough or reading my Bible enough, I can start to feel like I’m failing as a Christian. But this perspective has only ever led me to being more disheartened, and put a strain on my relationship with God. God seeks your heart, not your perfection. God isn’t disappointed in you for falling short, rather He loves you in spite of your shortcomings. And God doesn’t need a few perfect Christians, He wants millions of imperfect ones. 

“The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” (Psalm 37:31, NIV)

If you’re looking for motivation, seek it first in God’s love for us.