Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:13-16
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”—Psalm 139:14
If you listen quietly, you can hear some people’s dissatisfaction with themselves. We want more of this or less of that. We want to lose fat or gain muscle, have different hair or more shapely body parts, be taller and thinner, or have a different skin tone or complexion. We try strange diets, follow self-help remedies, have procedures done, and seek advice from total strangers in the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps it is not our looks but we compare ourselves to someone else’s talents, intellect or style.
Often, we are not satisfied with who or what we are or where we find ourselves. Seemingly, it is ingrained into the human condition to pursue what we are not; to covet what we do not have. It is the baggage we carry and it can fill us with worry, doubt and self-loathing as we become absorbed with what others think of us. Yes, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should seek self-improvement and a healthy lifestyle. But sometimes we obsess over what was not designed to be perfect.
In our search for the ever elusive personal nirvana, we devote so much of our time and energy trying to change what we are that we fail to enjoy and celebrate who we are. We don’t see how blessed we are already, just as we are.
God made each of us uniquely different and documented our differences with a divine signature. As confirmation of our individual originality, God issued each of us a note of authenticity in today’s text to remind us of our uniqueness. Tall, short, large, skinny, black, white, genius, whatever we may be, we are more than what we see. We are not defined by our looks, talents, or intellect, but our heart, character, and spirit.
A highly regarded architect notes imperfection is a sign of authenticity. He designs each structure to be slightly off from what would be otherwise perfect in order to recognize its individuality and ensure it cannot be duplicated. With all our imperfections, we are more than what we can see. We are custom designed and created by God—just as we are!
Lesson to Remember: No matter what imperfections you see in yourself, you are perfectly formed in the likeness of God.
Thank you. I am asking God to let me see others as well as see me through his eyes. I told Father God that I have lived so long trying to fix into other people’s desires of who or what I should be. I have all but lost the real me. I know I was created in the image stated in Genesis 1:26. However the enemy starts at a young age trying to destroy what God has placed in me ( others). I am willing to give up everything just to be like Christ Jesus. I want to help someone to understand they’re more than what they have do what has been done to them. Thank you for these words, I needed them after a very emotional painful week. I am more than what I see today!