Mirror Image

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

THE WORLD IS OBSESSED WITH IMAGE. Magazines, TV, movies, and the Internet depict a nearly unattainable standard. Several years ago, an eighth-grade girl started a petition that asked a popular teen magazine to print just one unaltered image in its pages every issue. Because the magazine photo-edited all their pictures to make the models look more perfect, many young readers felt an even greater sense of inferiority.

A generation ago, cosmetic surgery was only for the aging or the rich and famous. Today, more and more young people choose to go under the knife for the image they desire. Some researchers call today’s kids the most narcissistic group ever. To help avoid that trend, we need to point our children to God and help them see themselves as God sees them.

Who our kids are—and whose they are—is far more important than what they look like. Take time to let your children know how wonderful they are. Then go further to point out a character trait of theirs that you appreciate. As a father, your words powerfully affect how your kids view themselves. Make sure they know that you love them as God does: unconditionally and as His precious children.

BOTTOM LINE

As fathers, we need to help our children reflect Christ—not some earthly standard. What are some ways you can do that this month?

Moment of Strength: Psalm 139:13-14