...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24 NIV)
Did you catch that? That word at the end? The fact that we were created to be holy?
If you're like me, you've heard it a million times. God created us to be like Him. I often find myself asking, what does that really mean? To be created like my Creator.
Words start flying around in my head. Some of them I understand, others I'm still learning. Words like perfect, whole, clean, loved, secure, holy, safe, pure, treasured, valuable. That list can go on forever.
Today, I want to focus on holy. Mainly because it's thrown around so often in Christian lingo, but I don't think many of us have actually grasped what it means. What it looks like. How to perceive if I am making steps that way.
Holiness defined is "he quality or state of being holy —used as a title for various high religious dignitaries." Well, that did a whole lot of good for me... How about you? Okay good.
Let's take it a step further. Holy what does it mean? It's definition reads "exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness." Now that really does help.
Think about it, God created us to be exalted, held high above everything. Through Him we are made worthy of relentless pursuit. Our belief in His death on the cross makes us perfect, without even the slightest blemish.
Isn't that an amazing thing? All of the "little" things that we see as being our ugly parts, are exactly what makes us His, unique creations that He sees at beautiful, amazing and useful.
What if today we started choosing to see our less-than-perfect areas as beautiful? If we took our larger- than-average bodies, and saw them as useful? If we lived our broken lives as redeemed by His love and grace?
Hi Amy, you've given us some really great questions & points to ponder on here that really make us stop think. Great thought-provoking post!!
ReplyDeleteKatrina Wylie (Obs small group leader)
"What if today we started choosing to see our less-than-perfect areas as beautiful? If we took our larger- than-average bodies, and saw them as useful? If we lived our broken lives as redeemed by His love and grace?" Could you just imagine living in a world where we all thought and acted out our lives in such a way? Wow!! Awesome post, thanks for sharing!! Blessings to you!!
ReplyDeleteTrish (P31 OBS Blog Hop Team)
Wow, what powerful words you have shared here today! I love how you mentioned God created us to be like HIm. We need to view our imperfections as what makes us His Unique creation. Every one of us is unique and is created the way God intended us to be. So we need to focus on a "glass half full" perspective rather than a "glass half empty" perspective. Your words echoed many of the same thoughts I had while completing this study. Thanks for sharing!
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