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Do you remember what you looked like when you were sixteen? The older you are, the more difficult it will be, unless you look at a picture. But God knows exactly what you look like in your prime.
All of us begin aging from the moment of conception. At first, this is a fantastic idea. We become bigger, stronger, and even develop a more capable intellect. But there does come that moment when aging catches up with us. What was once wonderful becomes discouraging.
The problem isn’t so much putting on the years as it is suffering from a deteriorating body. From about midlife on, we become weaker on the outside, even if we are thriving on the inside. Our outside appearance no longer reflects the strength and beauty that God built into our souls. Physically we are dying.
The good news is that we can be spiritually better than ever (2 Corinthians 4:16). God will continue to renew our spirits if we let Him. Hopefully, as we give up our youthful vigor we are wise enough to gain spiritual vigor.
God Never Forgets What You Look Like
God made us in His image (Genesis 1:27). Every human being retains that image, no matter their eternal status. To be human is to bear the image of God. His image cannot be removed from our identity even when we are fallen, sinful, and His enemies. Even then we are still worth redeeming, otherwise, why would God bother with us? (1)
Before we are born again, we are alienated from God. We lack the understanding of our true potential. We are so disfigured that we cannot perceive our true identity. We see ourselves as though looking through a distorted mirror (1 Corinthians 13:12). It’s as if we are made from soft clay and our faces have been smeared and become unrecognizable.
Before you are born again, you are lost, unable to reach God through your effort. But He always knows where to find you. More than that, your appearance is distorted, but He knows exactly who you are at all times (Ephesians 2:8-10). Share on XRecall yourself on your worst day, while you were still a sinner and in conflict with God. From His perspective, though your fallen nature is evident, He “remembers” who you really are. He knows your true design and highest potential. From your perspective, you are lost in sin and might feel worthless. On the most difficult days, it’s easy to forget how you look through God’s eyes.
God Will Always Remind You Who You Are
You might be lost and disfigured, but God has a mission to bring clarity to your vision. The image of who you really
When He catches your attention and you accept His love, what a glorious day! He cares and begins a cleanup and a clear-up process to help you see yourself as He sees you. The mirror in your head, your self-image, once hopelessly dirty, becomes clearer every day. (2)
Even if you are already saved, you need constant reminders of who you really are. God, as the keeper of your true identity, can continuously feed you this truth.
God is calling you to your true self — His original design and intentions. He saves you from complete destruction and then allows you to participate in pursuing and redeeming others.
Can you hear God calling you now? Can you sense Him waking you up? Take a moment to thank Him that He knows your identity and even when you feel lost, you don’t have to be anxious.
God will never stop helping you see the truth of who you are and who He is!
Read more about seeing yourself as God sees you.
Photo by Luizmedeirosph from Pexels
(1) See what-it-means-to-be-made-in-the-image-of-god
(2) Helpful: ywammontana.org/new-creation
Last updated 2023/01/01
Matt Pavlik is a licensed professional clinical counselor who wants to see each individual restored to their true identity. He has more than 20 years of experience counseling individuals and couples at his Christian counseling practice, New Reflections Counseling. Matt and Georgette have been married since 1999 and live with their four children in Centerville, Ohio.
Matt’s courses and books contain practical exercises that help God’s truth spring to life:
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