September 25 – Spit'n image

God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule…” … God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” —Genesis 1:26, 31 

My family, like most others I suspect, only seem to get together en masse for births, deaths or marriages. This happened recently with my family, so we made the most of our time together and spent two/three hours catching up and exchanging news. The thing though that was so striking, was, as the years had passed, how much they had grown to resemble each other – voices, mannerisms, humour - particularly the males. Those who were not alike in looks were spit'n images of their fathers. One nephew in particular. Yet, they had had such diverse lives.

Leaving genetics and inheritance apart, I got to wondering about my image. Looking in a mirror, yes, in looks I do resemble my parents – especially my nose – just like my dad's. But what about my REAL image? Over the years, have I grown and developed in my christian walk to resemble the character and image of Jesus?

Arthur Schoonveld, writing in “Today”, June 2, 2014 suggests that 'Sometime today take a few moments to look at yourself in a mirror.

When you do, don’t look for wrinkles or gray hairs or for things you don’t like about yourself. Try to ignore whatever blemishes you see, and, while looking at yourself, say out loud, “I am made in God’s image.”

We were made to look like God—not physically, but with the ability to love, to choose, and to communicate. Psalm 8:5 tells us we were made “a little lower than the angels and crowned … with glory and honor.” Psalm 139:14 adds that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God himself.

Perhaps it’s difficult for some of us to believe we are special. Maybe other people have made you feel that you are insignificant and worth very little. Maybe you are in a stage of life in which you feel useless. Perhaps you are confined to your bed, unable to do the things you want to do. If so, you need to know that you are special no matter what—because you bear God’s image.

Because we are made in God’s image, he cares about each one of us. Isaiah 49:16 says that we are engraved on the palms of God’s hands. He wants to use each one of us in his goal of renewing his creation.'

It's wonderrful to know

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” 1 Corinthians 13:12

A good old favourite “Face to Face” is today's music. Click on the picture to listen.