Images

Thank you. Thank you very much, Moses. We appreciate your sharing the second commandment with us, but we think we've got that one under control. We would never make, worship, or grab hold of any graven, golden image. Would we? I mean, men could show a slight susceptibility in this area. They're the ones whose brains have a component that can sometimes record, store, and retrieve images with digital-like accuracy. But we women are ok with this commandment. Right? Uh, well. Maybe, we should take a closer look. Because I'm thinking that I have a few image problems that require attention. Like, self-image, you know? How I want to be viewed in a certain way. A certain light. And what I need to do and to own so that I can create the new me that I think I should be. I think that re-inventing my image would start with buying a new house. One that has kind of an open concept. A smooth flow. Sparkly, shiny stainless steel appliances. And granite countertops. Gleaming. Girl, I might even become a gourmet cook! Yeah, you're right. Don't think that's going to happen. Cooking is so not my thing. ...I know! A newer automobile would improve my image. How about a sport utility vehicle? Red. Or silver. It doesn't matter. But, for sure, I've got to have leather seats. Power everything. And a sunroof. Can you picture how cool it would be to cruise around in a set of wheels like that? And stylish apparel. Couture created just for me to conceal what needs to be hidden. And to accentuate any positive that a designer can contrive. I'll be in vogue and will live by the golden rule of design: Shop till you drop. So, yeah. Sometimes, I attach a lot of importance to image. And to things. To looking successful. To fitting in socially. When I get a little crazy like that, He's so good to re-direct me. He talks to me. He speaks to me through His word. Just this week, I read a verse that helps me to better understand what Moses said about images. All who worship images are put to shame (Psalm 97:7a). God doesn't want us to worship any images. Not even our own. And not the ones that we fantasize about, either. The house that we live in. The car that we drive. The clothes that we wear. Are these things important? Sure, they are. To an extent. They are necessary. They are blessings. They are resources to be used for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. But we are not to think too much of them. Or about them. We don't worship them. We worship Him. Our loving God. Our provider. Our Savior. In whose image we are created. How do you handle image problems? I'd love for you to share what helps you. Sweet dreams, Deb