Selfies

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.”
2 Corinthians 5:16 (NIV)

Selfies are a lot of fun and very popular, especially among the young. The number of distorted expressions worthy of capturing never fails to amaze—these are duly distributed into the ether for all to see. The cult of ‘celebrity’ is compounded by people eager to have a ‘selfie’ with the alleged personality. Mobile phones are often a cornucopia of self-image.

At the risk of appearing anachronistic, which I probably am, I do wonder if the concept of ‘selfie’ is a good one. Will it lead our next generation to the royal law instituted by Jesus Christ in Mathew five? We are instructed in God’s word thus: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Mankind is obsessed with self-image—how we look is all important. Fashion, cosmetics, hair styles, diets; one has to be ‘cool’ to be accepted. This is a common cause of problems such as anorexia, bulimia and other similar conditions which destroy. Does God consider us ‘cool’ following these trends? 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, “the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

While appreciating the fun abstraction of ‘selfies’, we need to bear in mind it is how we live that is important. God loves us; we are made in His image. He has a plan for us, found in I Corinthians 15:49 “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Think what a ‘selfie’ that will make!

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for your love for us and for your divine patience when you see our foolishness. Thy kingdom come when we can be a royal diadem in your hand.
Amen

Study by Irene Wilson

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About the Author:
Irene Wilson is a Deaconess in the Watford Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK, where she also serves on the Pastoral Council.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford,
Herts. WD24 7HF

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11AM

Local Congregational Contact:
George Henderson
Phone: 01923-855570
Email: george-sue.henderson@tesco.net