In The Image
By Kim Pitman
Something has been bothering me of late. I think it’s the fear that we are living in. Looking out for a possible terrorist, or waiting for something to happen when the threats come. I for one am tired of being afraid of my different looking neighbors. Aren’t you?
I have always thought that the scripture that tells us that we are “all made in the image of God” is an interesting scripture. In Genesis 1:27 it says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;” All of us, whether we’re white, black, yellow, red, or brown, look like our gracious Father in heaven.
How can we all look like Him? Does my nose more closely resemble God’s? I mean every one of us has a nose different than the other. But we are all, no matter what religion we profess to follow were created in our Heavenly Father’s image. I remember when my children were born. Everybody was always comparing them to me or their dad. Who each child most closely resembled mom or dad. But God’s word says we are all created in His image. You and I and our different neighbors, Christians or non-Christians all created in His image. Amazing!
Our eyes are different. They are blue, brown, hazel, green, and every shade in between. Mine are blue and I’m the only blue-eyed person in my family. But my eyes are created in His image and so are yours. My Father who so graciously looks lovingly and kindly at me wants me, who calls Him Lord, to look lovingly and kindly at all His people. I hope my eyes always look with kindness at other people just like my Father’s eyes look at me. His eyes look with love and understanding straight through us to what is in our hearts. What does He see in your heart?
How do you look at others? Do you look at your child with patience and kindness when she asks the same question for the umpteenth time? Or do you frown and shoo her away? How about the person at the grocery store who is looking for an item but has her cart crosswise in the lane effectively shutting down traffic? Do you smile and say “Excuse me;” do you stand there and grumble or turn around in a huff?
What if someone who didn’t speak English approached you for help? Would you help them? I know from experience that a smile can bridge that language gap and enable you to help them. I know, we Americans say if you live in America you should learn English. But put yourself in their shoes, how long would it take you to learn their language should you go to live in their country? What happened to our ears being made in the likeness of God’ ears? Can you imagine God listening to every one of His children? All of us speaking our own language what a cacophony that would be, but God’s Word tells us that He hears each of our words no matter who they are spoken to.
How do you look at others who are different from you? I hope that my eyes look at everyone with love, kindness, and respect. Our world is changing so rapidly. We are exposed to unfamiliar cultures and languages. We have been taught to fear those who dress differently, speak differently, and live differently. Because of 9/11 we are afraid to trust anybody. Suspiciousness reigns in all our activities.
But, as His called people, we in turn are called to be winsome in this world. My thesaurus says that means charming, pleasant, attractive, engaging, endearing, or appealing. I want people to ask me about the smile on my face so I can tell them what Jesus is doing for me and what he did for me (and them). How can that happen if we’re frightened of even meeting the eyes of another because they might take it as a challenge? “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
We have not been given a spirit of fear. We have been given God’s Spirit. His Spirit is powerful and if we listen to the Spirit we can do powerful things in God’s name. God sent His Spirit to us to help us do His work here on earth. I’m pretty sure that doesn’t mean to turn away from people, say ugly things about them, and point and gossip either. We are called to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are to describe every word we say and every action we perform.
O dear Father, help me to always think before speaking, pray before acting, and bless all who you call your children.
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Copyright © October 2007 – Kim Pitman. All rights reserved.
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