2009-08-16 - Say Cheese!

2 Samuel 2:4, 9:5-9, 12

I would much rather take a photograph than be in front of the camera. Perhaps I am too critical of my outward appearance. At least a camera doesn't capture a person's inner flaws. A photographer produces what he or she sees through the camera lens, whereas God knows and sees all. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8 NIV) He created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7), and not to appease others.

Where does the desire come from to be perfect? God does not gauge His love by our hair color, shoe size, or the presence or absence of freckles and wrinkles. He looks inward rather than outward. What is so wrong with showing people who we really are, instead of trying to conform to someone else's opinion of how we should be?

Take Mephibosheth of the Old Testament. Although he lived before the invention of the camera, I imagine he too didn't crave much attention. Limp and lifeless, worthless, and a dead dog. That's how Mephibosheth saw himself. Certainly no one can begrudge him for being bitter. His dad (Jonathan) and grandfather (King Saul) died by the time he was five. Mephibosheth lost his family, home, and use of his legs all in the same day. When the news came forth that Mephibosheth's dad and grandfather were killed, his caretaker hastily held the young boy while fleeing from danger, and dropped him on his head. Mephibosheth became lame in both feet, due to the head injury. To some, it may sound like a hard childhood, for Mephibosheth it was all he knew.

Lord, Your ways are flawless. Thank You for reassuring me I do not have to be perfect; I just need to be myself. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

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