In Whose Image?

My family and I were recently at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and I was reminded again at how much American people are enamored with their own looks.  I have never seen such a display and array of undesirable clothing, jewelry, make-up, etc. that adorn much of the human race.  I watched as men and women alike walked past me flaunting their best superficial attributes to the world!  I was amazed and shocked again by people trying to impress others by their conspicuous and ostensible adornment.

We live in a world that image is everything!  Our looks and outward appearance have become much more important than our character and integrity!  Everywhere we turn, there is another advertisement or article about improving our looks.  After the Academy Awards, all we heard for days was what each star wore and who was the designer.   If we are made in His own image as the Bible tells us that we are, why do we feel that we should upgrade the model that God made?

I think we should always look our best and I am certainly not declaring that fashion should not be a part of our lives; however, I believe we can become so besotted with what others think of us, that we forget who we are supposed to delight.  The Bible says we cannot serve two masters so we are either going to please God or we are going to try and gratify our own desires. 

I read again the story of Esther and the scripture says that the women that were to come before the King, prepared themselves for 12 months with purification and various beauty treatments.  It is apparent that self-image has been important for a long time.  The women were given anything that they wanted to adorn themselves before coming before the King.  The scripture says that Esther did not take anything other than what the chamberlain required of her.  We know of course, that she was the one that King Ahasuerus chose to be the next Queen.

The Lord said that he would supply all of our needs so we do not have to appease, enchant, or titillate the world around us.  Our prayer today must be, “Make me in your image, Oh God!” 

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Jeanna Macey is married to Pastor Ron Macey. She is the Chorale Director for Royalwood and serves as Advisor to Royalwood's various ladies ministries. Follow Jeanna Macey  on Twitter