Viewing Ourselves Through the Lens of the Creator
By Tessa Emily Hall
When you look in the mirror, do you see a perfect reflection? You might not believe so. After all, our society has brainwashed us into believing that the definition of perfect is equivalent to having white teeth, a dark tan, and an unblemished face. Because of this, we may always find something “wrong” with us. Something we need to fix.
God’s definition of perfect, however, is different than that of the world’s. All of creation reflects His beauty, perfection, and order. Scripture says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (see Psalm 139:14). But as long as we’re viewing our reflection through the lens of the world, we’re never going to feel “fearfully and wonderfully made”. And as long as we attempt to jump through the hoops that the world has given us, we’re always going to fall short. It’s an impossible standard and a never-ending, exhausting cycle.
This yearn for approval can only be fulfilled when we receive God's love. Our desire for human acceptance will diminish as we see ourselves through the eyes of Christ. When we recognize that our every trait was designed by the Master Artist with a purpose. Rather than highlighting our flaws and convincing us we need to be "fixed", He sees them and still says we were perfectly created. And guess what?
It’s this love--the perfect love of Christ--that gives us the power to love ourselves as well.
So the next time you’re tempted to point out your flaws, ask yourself, “Am I viewing myself through the lens of the world or the lens of the Word?” Here’s how you can tell the difference: When you view yourself through the lens of the world, the result will be a distorted, imperfect reflection.
Yet when you view yourself through the lens of the Word? That’s when you’ll see the same result your Father sees when He looks at you: A beautiful creation of the Creator. A reflection of His image. A piece of artwork that He’s proud to claim as His own.
These are the only lens that can be trusted to produce the perfect reflection that we long for.
Back
Cover Copy
There's something
special about spending time at a coffee shop with a friend--engaging in a
meaningful conversation, then leaving refueled and ready to tackle the rest of
the day. What if your quiet times with God energized you the same way?
Coffee Shop Devos offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you'll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage--regular or decaf--to enjoy while you read. And don't forget to share your journey with your friends! #CoffeeShopDevos
Each of the 180 challenging and motivational devotions will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--almost as though you've shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.
Coffee Shop Devos offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you'll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage--regular or decaf--to enjoy while you read. And don't forget to share your journey with your friends! #CoffeeShopDevos
Each of the 180 challenging and motivational devotions will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--almost as though you've shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.
Links:
·
Mailing list http://blogspot.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=977607b9c01d013131aa90636&id=9e2fabd0ed
Author
Bio:
Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who
writes inspirational yet authentic books to show teens they’re not alone. Her
first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House
September 2018. Tessa's passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and
media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent for Cyle Young at
Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC
Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PURSUE Magazine. She's guilty of making way too
many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t
flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens,
decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to
procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social
media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment