Created in God’s Image

There is so much attention placed on our bodies.  Countless articles, books, and videos are dedicated to helping people have the “perfect” body.  The media tells us what makeup to wear so your eyes will pop, what hairstyle best compliments your face shape, what type of jean is most flattering, what exercises will make you look red-carpet-ready in the shortest time and with the least effort put forth.

We are so much more than our bodies. So much more than our outward appearance!  Our bodies, in all shapes and sizes, are created in God’s own image!

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:27

How beautiful is that?  God created all things.  Trees that reach up to the heavens, birds that sing so sweetly, fish that glide through the waters.  Our loving Creator took what was nothing but a “formless void” (Gn. 1:2) and out of nothing, created such astounding beauty!  And yet, while the beauty of nature and animals is certainly awesome, God made human beings something more.  We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14)  Not just another part of creation, humans were created separately, in the very image of God Himself!

As such, we are called to treat our own bodies with dignity and respect.  In fact, our bodies are not just empty shells but are the temple of the Holy Spirit!

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Created in God’s own image with our bodies as a temple for the Holy Spirit dwelling among us.  How amazing!  If we were only to remember these facts how different would we live our lives?

If we looked upon every human life as created in God’s image, how could we turn a blind eye to abortion, to refugees struggling for a better life, to those who are starving, homeless, or sick?

If we saw ourselves as the temple to the Holy Spirit within us, how could we possibly abuse and degrade our bodies?

What if, instead of focusing on the latest fad diet, we put that time and energy into glorifying God in our bodies?

We need to see God in ourselves and in those around us that we may be more mindful of our actions and words.  More respectful of all life.  More the person God created each of us to be.  More like Christ. For we are created in the very image of God.

“Let us be very sincere in our dealings with each other, and have the courage to accept each other as we are. Do not be surprised or become preoccupied at each other’s failures – rather, see and find in each other the good, for each one of us is created in the image of God.” Blessed Mother Teresa

Every Little Thing

Do you ever have moments where you wonder what in the world you are doing?  Do you have times where you look back at the tasks you completed that day and think, “What did it even matter?” I know I do. I think that most of us do.

Not every day is filled with life changing adventures.  Not every task is monumental.  And sometimes we simply can’t see past the dull moments of our day to the bigger purpose behind it all.  Sometimes the paperwork in the office, the cleaning up after the kids, the studying for exams, seems almost like a waste of time.  We look back at our day and wonder what we really accomplished.  So some paperwork got filed, the living room is a bit cleaner, I may get an A instead of a B on that test…but in the grand scheme of things, does it even make a difference?

The danger in this way of thinking is that we forget that God placed us where we are.  He gave us the abilities to perform the tasks we dread or that seem so insignificant.  He has us right where we are in life for a reason!

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Every little thing that we do matters.  Whether we realize it now or not.    Even if no one else sees the little things we do, our God does.  He knows the effort we put into our daily work.   He gave us the physical ability to clean the house, the mental capacity to study and learn more.  He blessed us with the jobs we have, even when they seem small.

 ^“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

As Christians we are called to do everything for God’s glory.  He has a plan far greater than we can fathom and if a part of that plan involves us doing the dishes, responding to endless emails, or sitting through lectures at school, who are we to question the plan of God?

In being thankful for every moment of every day and giving all the glory to God, our perspective changes.  We see the possibilities around us rather than feeling trapped where we are.  We find ways to shine the light of Christ through even the smallest ways.  We become more in tune with the person God is calling us to be and are better able to hear His voice when He calls to us. 

As we go about our daily tasks, let us all work to remember that God made us and has placed us where we are in life for a reason.  Let us remember to give thanks for our abilities and accomplishments, no matter how small they seem.  And let all that we do be done in love and for God’s glory so that we might bring other close to Him and may become more and more like Christ.

“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” St. Therese of Lisieux