The best way for someone to get into my good graces is to be kind to my children. All Christians are God’s children; by loving others, we bring enormous pleasure to our heavenly father. – Gary Thomas
Made in the Image of God
This is one of those places where I struggle – remembering that I am made in the image of God.
When God got started creating the world, he breathed life into mankind… he molded and formed us… and together, man and woman, we make up the image of God.
I have a strong feeling that God loves all of mankind (not just those who claim certain titles or religious beliefs) and I believe that we are all made in his image. I also believe we are loved by him in a fatherly way. (Some may have an issue with the ‘father’ reference…I’m just going by his credits in the Bible).
I have heard many teachings that focus on how “I am a child of God”. I have been told many times that I am a child of God…me me me me me me me.
What I forget to realize is that you you you you you you you, are also a child of God.
Wait a minute. Hold the phone.
I am a child of God.
You are a child of God.
We are God’s kids. And… when I look at my Beautiful Wife™… I must remember that she is a child of God too.
That changes my perspective on things.
I Like When People Treat My Kid Well
When our kiddo gets a green apple lollipop from the bank teller, it not only makes him happy, it makes me happy. When his teachers love him well, that makes me happy. If he told me he was getting grief from one of his friends… well, that would make me upset, and I would rush to help him out.
Point being: If we are God’s kids… he also likes when we are treated well by others.
Problem is: I don’t always treat my wife very well. Sometimes, I treat strangers better than I treat her.
I don’t remember the number one thing… My wife is made in the image of God…she is God’s Kid.
Sure, sometimes brothers and sisters fight.
But the interesting thing is that when I used to fight with my “earthly” sister (the one I grew up with, and sprayed Cheez Wiz on her glasses) … I used to forgive her easier and faster than I do with my WIFE, who is my heavenly sister.
I think there is an issue there. Don’t you?
It’s Not Natural to Think This Way
I don’t naturally think about my wife as a child of God. I get weirded out when people start calling others “Bruuuuther so and so” and Sister yada yada” in church. That type of greeting seems fake and put on. But the thing is, the principle behind the words is right.
We are brothers and sisters in Christ.
There is a story that Zig Ziglar tells about a young boy who came to church one morning, and no one knew who his parents were. Many adults asked him…”Who are you parents? Where is your mama, and your daddy?” The pastor came up to the young boy and said… “I know who’s child you are! You’re a child of God! I can see the family resemblance!”
I think if we really grasped this concept, it wouldn’t just change our marriages – it would change the way we interact with every person we encounter.
photo by adebond1
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I admit to having a certain maternal pride toward my husband. Like what you describe, but not so sisterly. When he's praised, I'm proud. When he's treated well, I'm pleased. When he's slighted, I'm touchy. I'm protective of him and revel in his successes and am pained by his struggles.
The best part is that I recognize his divinity. The spark of the Creator that stamps him as equal and worthy and beloved. There's a level of compassion I try to give everyone, but I invest heavily in Gary. If I want him to be the divine being I know he was born to be, I should treat him that way.
Amen, my friend. Frankly, I have a much easier time seeing God's presence in my wife than I do in myself. I totally agree with you that if we could somehow practice what many of us preach and treat *everyone* like a child of God, the world would be…well…heavenly. Of course, with all of the brokenness in the world, this is very tough. But we can at least start with our spouse!
Early on in my marriage, I tried to teach my husband a lesson and gave him the silent treatment, God said to me clear as day, “Don’t treat my son like that.” That was when I received the revelation that I’m not the only one who God wants to protect in my marriage. He holds both of us accountable to treating His child in a manner that’s pleasing to Him.
{ 1 trackback }