Created in the image of God
This weekend, we tried a new walking spot. We headed to the Cheam Wetlands Park, due east of Chilliwack and north of Bridal Veil Falls. We had the grandkids and only a short window of time, so it was a quick exploration to see if we would return and check it out more thoroughly at another time.
There is a shallow lake and plenty of little streams. A boardwalk connects two small islands. Over 150 species of birds have been spotted there, although we saw only some waterfowl.
It was a pretty little spot, and we will go again another day.
We were pleasantly surprised to see a rainbow clearly reflected in one of the channels. I couldn’t help but video it. Check it out here:
It’s almost impossible to tell the sky side from the water side. It’s a delightful reflection.
You and I are created in the image of God.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESV
He knew from before time began which of us would be even further refined into the image of Christ.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 ESV
Oftentimes, when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see a lot of Jesus reflected back. Sometimes, there might be some of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) reflected. I can be as rebellious and self-centered as the most vile of sinners.
I remember Paul’s words and relate too well.
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:15-20 ESV
It can be very discouraging.
Then, I remember else that Paul wrote,
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV
I’m not where I want to be yet. Still, in small ways, I’m more Christ-like than I was before. He loves me. He sealed me, The Spirit indwells me. I have the Word to guide me.
I might not be the perfect reflection yet, but I can hold fast to the truth that He isn’t finished with me yet.
Hold on my dear friends. He isn’t finished with us yet. One day we will be all He created us to be.
Kevin