01 May Through God’s eyes

by Poppy Ivone

My youngest was born with a special ‘helmet’ of intact amniotic sac. The midwife told me this was rare and considered a good omen in many cultures. Interested, I read up on it and came across a community of people who were born this way – the caulbearers. One of the members commented, “I’ve always felt special all my life, I don’t know why. Then I found out I was born with a caul.” This statement struck me. Is that what it takes? Imagine basing one’s whole identity and self-worth on something as chancy as that. How precarious!

Yet if we are to be honest with ourselves, we oft fall prey to the same mentality. We all want to “find ourselves” and desperately long for and search for anything that would give us an identity. Perhaps it is our wealthy family, intelligence, exceptional skills, many accomplishments, that worship-the-ground-you-walk-on boy(girl)friend, you name it. Now imagine having that taken away from you. Are you still special then?

In a world where most things are fickle, flighty and subjective, trying to pin down a surety for the foundation of our identity is like chasing the wind. It is exhausting, not to mention damaging! Yet if we believe God’s words, it clearly tells us what God thinks of us, who He says we are. John Rinehart (2015) summarised this beautifully:

1. We are valuable

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.[1] You are children of God, heirs of God.[2] You are no longer orphans. You belong to me.[3] And I love you as a perfect Father.[4]

2. We are new

In my eyes, you are a brand new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come.[5] Sin is no longer your master, for you died to sin and are now alive to me.[6] You are utterly secure in me; nothing will be able to separate you from my love in Christ Jesus.[7] And I will never leave you nor forsake you.[8]

3. We represent Him

You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill.[9] You are now a saint, a servant, a steward, and a soldier.[10]

You are a witness and a worker.[11] You are a citizen of heaven.[12] You are an ambassador for my Son.[13] Therefore, walk in a manner worthy of your calling.[14]

Unlike those fleeting ‘fluff’, we can take God at His words. Can you see yourself through His eyes?

Quotes:

1. In a world where most things are fickle, flighty and subjective, trying to pin down a surety for the foundation of our identity is like chasing the wind.
2. Unlike those fleeting ‘fluff’, we can take God at His words.