Tuesday, June 25, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Who Here is Awesome?

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

We were at a fast food restaurant this weekend - one that requires customers to provide their names when placing their orders. As we were eating, we heard the cashier say, "Awesome...is anyone in here AWESOME?" A teenage boy stepped up to the counter to get his food.

After we laughed a little, this boy's boldness challenged us as well. What words do we use to describe ourselves on a daily basis?

I have heard people say things like, "I'm such an idiot" or "I'm so stupid" upon making a mistake. Statements such as these sadden me. Today's verse reminds us that we were made in the "image of God." Isaiah 64:8 states that He is the potter and that we are the clay - the work of His hands.

So, when we say such negative and demeaning things about ourselves, we are actually speaking against the very creation of God!

Possibly telling a fast food cashier that your name is "Awesome" may be extreme, BUT it's not inaccurate. Psalm 47:2 declares, "For the Lord Most High is AWESOME. He is the great King of all the earth." Since we are made in "His image," we are an awesome creation.

In studying out the word "awesome," I discovered that a person who is awesome is one who is inspiring to others as a result of dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent - all qualities that we receive through God.

• Dignity: We are described as children and heirs of God, the King of Kings. (Romans 8:17)
• Wisdom: God makes wisdom available to all who ask. (James 1:5)
• Dedication: God encourages us all to remain dedicated to doing good. (Galatians 6:9)
• Talent: The Bible says that each of us has received a gift and should use it to serve others. (1 Peter 4:10)

Sure, there are days in which we may not feel as "awesome" due to a mistake made at work, a failed test, something someone said, weight challenges or even physical limitations.

However, I challenge you today to realize who you are in Christ. There will always be areas in our lives to work on to increase our "awesomeness"...but we should never speak against the wonderful, workmanship of God - YOU!

Dear Lord, I thank You that You have made me in Your image. Please increase my wisdom and show me ways to do good and to use my talents so that I may honor You.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.