In His Image - #nofilter

 "Our problem following Jesus is we're trying to be a better version of us, rather than a more accurate reflection of him." I mentioned this quote by Bob Goff in my last post. It has really sunk into my marrow, which usually means God wants me to meditate on it. This was especially true after reading another book, "This is our Time: everyday myths in light of the gospel." by Trevin Wax. Scripture tells us that as we grow in our faith and mature in our discipleship we should look, act, and think more like Christ. In fact 1st Corinthians 2:16 tells us through the holy spirit we can actually "have the mind of Christ." Practically, what would that really look like in today's world? I've had to ask myself some hard questions to get to the answer. And I realize the struggle is a daily one.

First, I know it would be completely counter cultural. The world tells me every day to work hard at being a better "Me." And even worse, I'm encouraged to make sure I reflect the best  version of myself that I can to the rest of the world. Facebook, Instagram and every other social media outlet is designed to help us carefully craft what the world sees us reflect. Filters, apps, pithy t-shirts, and stories are all designed to give us just the rightly constructed image to meet our needs. And fundamentally it does speak to one our true needs: the ultimate goal of the selfie is to be known. All of us, including myself, want to be seen and understood. We want to know that we are not invisible, someone really understands us, and that we matter. To be affirmed and accepted is core to human existence. The problem becomes when we are no longer seen doing, but instead doing things to be seen. This is the precise moment things can take a turn: "The primary myth the smartphone tells you every day is that you are the center of the universe."

As I read this I had a chilling thought. Do you know how God defines a carefully crafted image that seeks to put me first? It's called an IDOL. Prioritizing that image is called idolatry. God calls that sin.

   "Do not make any idols." Exodus 34:17

  “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman?
    Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation;
    he makes idols that cannot speak.
 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!' Can it give guidance?
    It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.”. -Habbakuk 2:18

Oh how insidious this is in today's world. It's like a raging current. Before I know it, I am way downstream.  I am not suggesting that every Christian has to completely dump all social media. I like keeping up with friends through their posts and sharing with others what God is doing in my life; it helps us feel connected in a very busy world. Oh, and as an aside, some of those filters do wonders for the little fine lines that keep popping up.  However, one has to realize that to have the mind of Christ will require constant efforts against the flow of culture. When I realized the pull that likes, comments, and views were having on some of my decisions, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I immediately repented. The only way to reflect your true self, and the one God intended, is by living daily connected to the one who created you. It isn't through social media. It is through his Word. He knows you better than you know yourself anyway. That's being fully known. It will never be through the idol of a carefully crafted selfie. Without the Holy Spirit driving the thought processes, "there is no breath in it".  Which brings me to my final thought.

Without the divine breath of life, any idol we have crafted is dead. So ultimately it cannot save. I think one of most insidious and dangerous ways we craft idols is the way we choose to reflect to the world our relationship with God. Sometimes as Christians we think our families, or ourselves, need to look or act a certain way to appear spiritual and inspired. If I go on this mission trip, or adopt that child, participate in that service project or attend this conference, then I will gain a certain level of authenticity (especially if I make sure everyone knows I did it). One of the most extreme examples in scripture is the story of Annais and Saphira. (Acts 5)  They were two believers who brought money to the temple after selling property. That looks obedient, right? The problem is that they lied to the Apostles about the price it was sold for and therefore kept some back for themselves. Immediately God struck them both dead. This may seem really harsh, but the fact is they were trying to reflect a devotion to the Lord that was counterfeit. Their motive was about their appearance, not their worship. God knows this won't bring salvation to anyone including yourself. That he takes very seriously.

The truth is that to reflect the image of Christ it cannot be man-made at all. Otherwise, it is an idol whether religious appearing or secular in origin. So how do we have the mind of Christ and therefore reflect to the world the image for which we were created? By taking away the outer layers of pretense we create to veil our selves and pressing more deeply into the Word of God. With the currents of  prevailing culture, Christians need to know scripture. Then we go out and share those truths with the rest of the world. It's that simple. It is called the Gospel. No filter necessary.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. -2 Corinthians 3:18