Created in His image

(NOTE: This post was originally published on Brian Elder’s blog on May 3, 2012)

Take a moment to think about a building or structure you’ve seen that made you marvel at its magnificence. For me, it was the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. I remember being in awe of its size and the beauty of its architecture. Upon entering the cathedral, I could feel the sense of respect and reverence it commanded. I was amazed that man could create something so wonderful.

This got me to thinking: if we are created in God’s image, do we feel the same sense of awe toward God? Do we recognize His magnificence?

There are those who believe that we are nothing more than just some cosmic accident, that it’s only by random chance that we are here, that we are nothing more than the result of some evolutionary process. I do not believe that to be the case. The Bible says in Genesis 1:26, “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’” (ESV).

Think about this for a moment. The God of the universe created us in His image, in His likeness. Now that blows me away. It’s almost unfathomable. If we are created in His image, his likeness, then it stands to reason that he has blessed us with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to create things of beauty and wonder. We see His imprint all around us but especially on ourselves and our own creative capacity. The Psalmist writes, “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14 NIV).

Let us be ever mindful that, in the good times and the bad, the mountaintop highs and the valley lows, our successes and failures, health or sickness, life or death, we are created in His image. God loves us. In Him, we have purpose and value. He will provide for us. He will be present for us. He will protect us. He will empower us. Will we marvel enough at His magnificence to place all of our trust in Him?

—Brian Elder

Now THAT’s an extreme makeover

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This post is adapted from a recent post on Brian Elder’s blog.)

Have you ever noticed how many “makeover” shows there are these days? We see makeovers for everything from cars, homes, restaurants, and schools to hair, dress, and weight. On the surface, these makeovers appear to be a good thing. Those receiving the improvements feel happy. They experience hope. Their needs are met. Such shows tug at our heart strings. We feel good about the gifts people have given to make someone’s life better.

But what happens when the lights go down, when the cameramen turn off their cameras, when the TV personalities move on to the next person? Far too often, we hear of unmet mortgage payments, regained weight, and failing businesses. These makeovers, no matter how well intentioned, are only temporary.

This Christmas let us reflect upon, acknowledge, accept, and treasure the gift that keeps on giving—the gift that will last an eternity. Isaiah 7:14 speaks of a virgin who will give birth to a son who will be called Immanuel (which means “God is with us”). Consider that the God of the universe is so loving that He desires to have a personal relationship with each of us, a relationship made possible through the gift of Jesus, God’s Son. Those who receive this gift by trusting Jesus to save them from their sins and grant them eternal life will experience a new birth and become a new creation (John 3:3,16; 2 Corinthians 5:17). How’s that for an extreme makeover? (For more information on this, contact us at beau.stanley@gracebrethren.org.)

Have you experienced this new birth? If not, what better time to receive God’s gift than the Christmas season? If so, are you treasuring and enjoying the gift you have received?

—Brian Elder

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An Unforgettable Journey

(Editor’s note: This post was originally published on Brian Elder’s blog, caution-under construction, on Tuesday, November 15, 2011)

Whether a project is small or large, it always begins with a vision. Plans are developed with the end in mind. In some cases, the only one who can see the vision clearly is the creator or designer. To those on the outside, the vision is blurred and the process of going from point A to B makes no sense. They are unable to see the big picture. They want to get to the destination without experiencing the journey.

This is often the case as God works in our own lives. He has a vision for each one of us that we don’t always see clearly. God reinforced this to me through the journey my son and his high school soccer team just completed. It was a journey that resulted in winning a state championship.

A little over a month ago as I was praying, I ask the Lord to grant Brett and his team the opportunity to make it to the state championship one last time. While God didn’t speak to me audibly, I did feel a sense of peace that He would allow this to happen. I felt Him telling me that the destination was already determined, but that I needed to trust Him during the journey.

This was difficult to do. I had no control over the outcomes. Injuries, mid-season losses, and other factors had me wondering whether this was all wishful thinking on my part.

What I experienced was nothing short of remarkable. I saw God do an incredible work in these young peoples’ lives and in my own. Hearts were transformed and valuable life lessons were learned.

God calls us to trust Him and not rely on our own understanding. He wants us to experience the journey on our way to the destination (Proverbs 3:5-6). It’s through these experiences that we gain wisdom and grow in our faith. Our relationship with God is strengthened.

—Brian Elder

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Pride—A crack in the foundation

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This post originally appeared on Brian Elder’s blog, Caution—Under Construction, on September 9, 2011)

It’s quite common and natural to feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when we or those we hold dear have done well. The problem is that we often let pride become an idol in our lives. A heart full of pride leads to anger, anxiety, unforgiveness, broken relationships, lack of satisfaction, jealousy, envy, financial loss, an unwillingness to change, etc.

I have to admit that this is an area in which I have struggled lately. My son is a senior in high school and is blessed with the ability to play the game of soccer at a very high level. He is being recruited by several schools to play soccer for them. Yes, I am proud of him. I want the very best for him. What parent wouldn’t?

Unfortunately, I have allowed pride to “blind” me. I see other boys my son has played with and against make their college commitments and envy begins to set in. I hear about coaches recruiting other kids but not my own and I become angry. This has led me to put unintentional and unnecessary pressure on him. This hit home for me when we had a discussion recently about this whole process. My son expressed that he was completely “overwhelmed” and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. It hit me that I was concerned with what I wanted for him more than with what God’s plan for him may be.

I encourage you to examine your life and see if pride has caused a crack in the foundation of your heart. If ignored, it can lead to much sorrow, despair, and regret. If dealt with, it will bring peace, joy, and contentment. The Bible says that “before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12 NIV).

Have a Blessed Day!!

—Brian D. Elder

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Expect delays ahead

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This post originally appeared on Brian Elder’s blog on September 28, 2010.)

How many times have you been traveling down the highway, cruising right along, when you come across those dreaded “Expect Delays Ahead” signs? How have you responded? If you’re like me, you’ve probably expressed some version of “You have got to be kidding me!”

Why do we respond this way? Well, it could be that we just like to go fast and don’t want to have to slow down. It could be that we are running late (that’s usually my case) and are trying to make up for lost time. Or, it could be that we just do not like being inconvenienced. Maybe it’s because we can’t control the situation.

Whatever the reason, have we ever considered why there is a delay in the first place? Road repairs? Widening of the road? An overpass? Additional lanes? Whatever the reason, ultimately, these delays are for our own good. It most likely means that the improvement(s) being made will enable us to reach our destination in a more safe and efficient manner. Secondary benefits may include less wear and tear on our cars, less miles traveled, less stress, a more scenic trip . . .

As we travel down the highway of life, God will often place “Expect Delays Ahead” signs in our paths. They may come in the form of an illness, a lost job, a broken relationship, the loss of a loved one, etc. Whatever the form, I have learned and am still learning that ultimately these “delays” are for our own good. They are meant to draw us closer to our heavenly Father. They are meant to help us grow in our faith and obedience to Him. They are meant to help us get our priorities right. They are meant to help us make God-honoring decisions. God desires to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us. It is His desire that no one should perish but that all should have eternal life (see John 3:16).

Next time we come across an “Expect Delays Ahead” sign, let’s welcome it and embrace it because it ultimately is for our own good.

—Brian Elder

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Tsunamis, Tuscaloosa and theology

As we celebrated Memorial Day, we remembered not only those in the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom, but also those who have lost their lives as a result of disasters and tragedies. The recent tsunami in Japan, the tornadoes of Tuscaloosa and Joplin, and certainly 9/11 come to mind. As we reflect, we may be tempted to ask the question, “Where is God?” I know I have.

Out of these events, we read and hear stories of great heroism, of how a life was spared as the result of a split-second decision. We see neighbors, families, churches and communities rally together to support one another. We see prayer groups form all over. We see people contribute financially and volunteer to help those to whom they have no direct ties.

We see our presidents show up and offer prayers and encouragement, often referring to Scripture, as President Obama so eloquently did on Sunday.

The media will hail these things as a reflection of the human spirit. I submit that if we’re willing to look closely enough, we will see that God is present (Joshua 1:9). In addition, we will see that He provides (Philippians 4:19), and that He protects (Psalm 46:1), just as He has promised.

— Brian Elder

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