Created for His Glory

A book I was reading a while back posed the question, "Why is it that when people pursue fulfillment in money and things, fulfillment is elusive?"  My response was "Because it's not true fulfillment for us.  We were made in the image of God, so it stands to reason that HE is where we are designed to find our fulfillment!"

Genesis 1:27 (NIV) says "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."  This doesn't mean that we have the same facial features, the same hair color, et cetera, but rather that we have an eternal soul.  There is more to it than that, but at this point it's something intangible, something that will be revealed when we are finally in Heaven with Him.  "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (I Corinthians 13:12, NIV)  Bottom line: God made us.  "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV)  When He created us, it was more than just our physical bodies.  He gave us souls, emotion, drive and purpose.  His purpose.  "For in him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28a, NIV)

That is how we are created in His image!  We have been created for His purpose, for His glory!  Without Him in our daily life, we are empty.  We try to fill that emptiness with things around us that look pleasing, but it's like trying to fill a strainer with water.  The strainer was not designed to hold water, just like we were not designed to be fulfilled by worldly pursuits.

Dear Preteen Who Keeps Stealing My Hairbrush...

Oh, my child.  My sweet, sweet daughter whom I love.  Why do you continually insist on stealing my hairbrush?

Is it because you don't have one of your own?  No, that's not it... between you and your two sisters, you possess at LEAST five hairbrushes.  Five, not three, because we have extras for traveling and that odd day that one has been misplaced.

Is it because mine is somehow better than yours?  No, that's not it either... two of the aforementioned brushes are identical to mine.

Is it because you mistook mine for yours, since they are the same style of brush?  No, still not it... to get my brush, you have to cross the house and intentionally enter my bathroom to collect my hairbrush from that basket that is its home.

This morning, I had to tame my mane with your father's comb because not only have you apparently lost all five of your hairbrushes, you have now also lost mine in the abyss that you and your sisters call your bedroom.

Time to clean your room, Ladies!

The Name of the LORD...

Following a series of very long days, I wanted little more than to just stay in bed this morning.  When I opened my Bible, I was looking for some motivation and encouragement.  I was led to Proverbs 18:10, which says "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  How can we be kept safe by just a name?  How can just a name be compared to a strong tower, something that shelters and protects?

In Hebrew culture, your name was more than just what people called you.  Your name defined you.  It explained you.  It was the very essence of your being.  We have an example of that in the book of Ruth. In Ruth 1:18, we hear from Ruth's mother-in-law: "'Don't call me Naomi,' she told them.  'Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.'"  "Naomi" means pleasant, and "Mara" means bitter.  Because she had changed, her name changed as well.  (If you aren't familiar with the story, I encourage you to read the book of Ruth.  It's a quick read, and one of my and my daughters' favorites!)

The name of the LORD is no different.  He is Righteous.  He is Holy.  He is Everlasting.  He is King of kings.  

We are taught early on in our faith not to misuse His name.  It is even demanded in the Ten Commandments!  "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." (Exodus 20:7)  But do we really understand that fully?  Especially in our culture where your name is little more than just what people call you.  

When we accept Christ, we take on His name.  "Christian" actually means "little Christ."  We have the fish emblems on our cars.  We share all the Scripture posts we see on Facebook.  But do we really take on His name?  Are we really living out the essence, the definition of Jesus Christ?  Do the people around us see the fruit of the Holy Spirit (check out Galatians 5:16-26 for this one), or are we still clinging to our sinful nature?

Misusing the name of the LORD is so much more than using it as a curse or saying it carelessly.  We don't even have to let it cross our lips to misuse it.  We misuse the name of our LORD when we live in a way that misrepresents Him.  When we say or do something that harms another.  When we fail to love those around us.  When we fail to share the gospel message with those around us who are lost and doomed to an eternity in hell.

If I stepped on your toes with this one, don't feel singled out.  I'm just as guilty of misusing the precious name of my LORD as anyone else.  It is my earnest prayer that He will help me be a better representative of who He is, and that He will do the same for you.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31

In other words, live life in His name.