DAY 18 - CONFUSION

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…” (1 Cor. 14:33, ESV)

“In The Mask Behind the Mask, biographer Peter Evans says that actor Peter Sellers played so many roles he sometimes was not sure of his own identity. Approached once by a fan who asked him, "Are you Peter Sellers?" Sellers answered briskly, "Not today," and walked on.” - Today In The World (2013). Confusion. Retrieved July 25, 2016, from http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/c/confusion.htm

In my opinion, Peter Sellers was one of the funniest people alive, and his statement summed up his stage personality. Even though Sellers was joking, his remark is probably the way many people are feeling in our day. There is a lot of confusion about who we are. Modern trends suggest that your identity is found in whatever you desire it to be suggesting that somehow you are flawed. This concept is confusing a lot of people. We have forgotten whose image we were created in. Each one of us was perfectly made in the image of the Father. The Apostle Paul speaks of worship. He warns that we have foregone the image of God for something much lesser (Rm 1:25, paraphrased). Now, this is also apparent when it comes to our identity. When we turn away from the truth of who’s we are, our minds become clouded. The result is a distorted view of ourselves and humanity. People falsely assume that if they were created in a different way, then better things would automatically happen. They wouldn’t have to deal with the present brokenness in their current lives. However, this is simply not the case.

Peace comes when we realize that we are a part of a bigger story – God’s story. His story informs us that we were made at the right time and under the right circumstances. We don’t have to fret over the notion of ever wondering if we have missed the genetic mark somehow. No! God wants us to use what has been given, both the good and the bad, to help others and bring glory to His name.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Remind yourself today that you were perfectly made in the image of the Father – flaws and all. Also, remind someone else who may be struggling with feeling inadequate that they too are perfectly made and are loved.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for creating me and allowing me to be a part of your wonderful creation. Help me to use what has been given in order to help others. Amen.

Rev. Dennis Gossett