Mere Image

Last month was the annual Strawberry Festival in Lebanon, complete with parade and carnival. Carnivals are so unique with all their color and noise and chaos. One thing I find fascinating is the crazy mirrors; you know the ones where you look like a corgi with no legs or an ostrich with spindly legs and round body. I like the one where I am tall and thin.

 Of course, it is all an illusion. But how many times do we look at ourselves through someone else’s description and accept their distorted view as fact? Hollywood and magazines are not mirrors we should hold up to see ourselves. In fact, we shouldn’t even be looking in a mirror to see who we are. What we see is merely a reflection of the physical.

To find who we truly are, or were meant to be, we need to be looking in the Bible. God created us in His image. We are His children. (John 1:12) We are precious and honored in His sight. (Isaiah 43:4). We are blessed. (Jeremiah 17:7) We are cared for. (Jeremiah 29:11) We are loved just as we are. (John 3:16)

Man sees mere images from the outward appearance; the Lord looks at our heart. (1 Samuel 16:7b) We laugh at the distortions in the crazy mirrors; let’s learn to laugh at the wrong images that others give us.

 Do you accept other’s criticism or do you seek refuge in knowing who God says you are?

3 Comments. Leave new

Robin G. Barlow
July 11, 2012 4:35 pm

Still can not find a way to follow you…

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It seems that we are critized by many different people and organizations. Sometimes it seems like the criticism is unjust, and sometimes after reflection, just. We can use what others say to improve ourselves, but it has to be, like you said, with the understanding of how God sees us through Jesus. I have sinned (I know it is hard to believe), but God sees me as a perfect person through His Son. And dwelling on God’s analysis of us seems lots better than other people’s analysis.

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Thank you. Did you subscribe?

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