Hello Everyone
Truly human. I’ve heard it said that we humans are the sum or our experiences. Whilst it is true that our experiences help to shape us in life, our humanity is far more exquisite and defined than just being the sum of our experiences. Stepping inside the shape of an-experienced based definition of our humanity, is a hollow shell that ultimately echoes a sense of hopelessness, particularly when life sifts us. It might sound all sweetly philosophical to say we are the sum of our experiences, but it is a sugar-coated view of our personhood and misses the dignity and sacredness of life as being a grand creation of God. Psalm 8:3-6.
God’s definition of what it means to be truly human is rather magnificent and reverberates with powerful chords of truth across our souls. God’s Word affirms every human being is created by God, and for God, made in His image and likeness. Genesis 1:26. Think of that for a moment. We are made by the very hands of God, the great master and creator of all things. As resplendent as creation is, it is us, human beings that are made in God’s image. It is no small thing to come into an understanding of what it means to be truly human, bearing His likeness. This revelation is transformative as we realise our value is not determined extrinsically, measured by our circumstances or experiences. Rather it is intrinsic, where God seeded worth and value into the DNA of our personhood which means our worth and value will never be diminished. But that is not all. To be truly human is to be granted the privilege of living in relationship with God, our maker, as His finest jewel in all creation, here on earth and into eternity. Although we broke relationship with God, He remains as committed as He ever was to polishing up or renewing His image in us so we reflect His essence to others.
So, it’s quite a relief that it is not up to us to become truly human by being the sum of our experiences. Even in our fallen state as “cracked” image bearers, Jesus does a work of transformation in us as He returns us to our original creative purpose. To fall for the premise that we are the sum of our experiences is a huge burden to live under when God has already made us truly human. It is counter-productive and way too much work to keep pacing it out on a treadmill that requires us to continuously reinvent ourselves through every experience we have to ensure that we remain intact as human beings and feel worthwhile. What a consolation it is to have the gentle, patient, loving hands of the Father to both define us and to refine us by making us truly human .
So, friends, get your “truly human” on today.
Best days to come.
Wen