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Ten8 Fire

What is Your Image?

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

 

There are many different definitions and applications of the word image.  Most formal definitions include words like representation and general impression. The interesting thing about an image is that the definitions do not assume or guarantee the truth or accuracy of the image. Years ago while shopping with my wife, she made a comment about not being able to trust the mirror in the dressing room. Intrigued about the comment, I said what do you mean?  She explained that stores will often use mirrors that are designed to make customers look better in the clothes they are trying on.  This strategy is ultimately an effort to boost sales as more people like what they see.  Beside the fun houses I use to go to as a kid, I was not aware mirrors were used in this fashion.  I quickly picked up my cell phone and did some research only to find out that I have gone most of my adult life without knowing that not all dressing room mirrors are created alike.  So, if our image can be so easily distorted, then how do we know the truth?

 

Genesis 1:26-27 says, Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. This passage makes it clear that, like Adam and Eve, we were all made in the image of God.  So, how is it that the way we view ourselves and the way others see us can be distorted. The fact is our image is extremely impacted by our decisions and actions.  The story of Adam and Eve in the Bible is the very first example of bad decision making that led to a tarnished image and negative consequences.  The root of the problem is they allowed the truth to be distorted and began believing a lie.  This deception lead to a poor decision they would regret for the rest of their life.

 

If maintaining a good image is largely dependent on our decisions and actions, how can we be sure that we are making decisions that are based on truth?  In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  The ultimate source of truth is our Lord and Savior.  The truths found in the Bible, and demonstrated throughout the life of Jesus, should be the standard in which all of our actions are measured.  We should not just be concerned about how we see ourselves.  Rather, we need to focus on the image we portray to others as it is a direct reflection on our Creator.  Max Lucado once said, “God’s goal is simply this: to rub away anything that is not of Him so the inborn image of God can be seen in us.”  As we grow in our understanding of God, we will become aware of things in our lives that are not consistent with God’s image. Life can be confusing at times and it can be difficult to separate truth from deception.  Jesus laid out a clear plan for how to find the truth in John 8:31 when he said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The teachings found in the Bible when applied can free us from the addictions, stresses and obstacles in life.  Don’t ever underestimate the blessings of operating in truth.  

     

Challenge: Remember your image matters because we were made in the image of our Creator! Be careful to tailor your actions and decisions to be consistent with God’s teachings. Avoid deception and hold to truth in every aspect of your life.

 

Published: February 1, 2021

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