What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? Job 7:17
We often hear people say “they want to learn who they are”. It is true as we grow and mature, we need to have a grasp on what brings us contentment and happiness and we could even say learn our own strengths and weaknesses and so on. However, we need to always consider who we are as people and what our relationship to God is. No matter how different we are as individuals, all people are the same before God concerning His commandments for us and His desire of us being right with Him. Acts 10:34 tells us, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons”.
As man, we are the beloved of his creation (Gen 1:26-31, Isaiah 64:8). It is important to note that only after the creation of man God saw his creation as very good (Gen 1:31). We often forget the simple fact that we are special and loved so dearly by God (John 3:16). This lack of self-respect concerning being “created in His image” (Gen 1:26) explains so many of the sinful things men actively participate in and even cause to happen to others. If folks just realized how important they were and how much God loves them, many of the terrible things we see would never happen. Man has forgotten what he means to God.
The fact that God is our creator shows our dependence on Him (Psalm 100:3). We need His leadership and guidance in life and this is given to us by His Word (2 Peter 1:3). Mankind has brought many sorrows upon himself throughout history simply because he has turned away from God and tried to do things his own way (1 Samuel 8:7). Stubbornness and pride always lead men away. Humility must be displayed if we are to be pleasing. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way”.
And as man, I will stand before God in judgement (Rev 20:12-13). This most definitely is a sobering thought. However, God’s love toward us and giving us His Word to guide us makes this appointment not only something we can be prepared for but something to look forward to (Titus 2:13).
By Jason Barger