One needs only to watch the television or read the newspaper to realize that our society is in a state of transition. With the accepted standards and norms of past generations being challenged and changed, a woman can find herself more than ever today, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" The beginning of this search for purpose and significance begins in Genesis 1 vs. 27:
"So God created man in His own image,
In the Image of God He created them
Male and Female He created them..."
Woman, God's counterpart of man, was created in God's image. An image is defined as being a likeness, an imitation, a representation or reflection of a person or a thing. Understanding this gives a woman a stable basis on which to define herself with God's unchanging nature as her guide.
The most notable characteristic of God's nature is love. In 1 Corinthians 12 vs 4-7 love is defined as being patient, kind, not envious, boastful, proud or rude. Love is not unmannerly, self-seeking or easily angered. Love does not rejoice in evil but with the truth. Love protects, trusts and hopes. Love perseveres. Always.
What an image to represent! It seems to be almost unattainable in a world which constantly pressures women to take the low road instead of reaching for the high road which is in Christ Jesus. In light of this we can take heart in the example of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Phillipians:
"Not that I have already obtained all this
or have already been made perfect.
or have already been made perfect.
but I press on to take hold of that
for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
We are Renaissance Women, created in the image of God, seeking His Excellence, Elegance and Grace. Let us take hold of this fact and press on to manifest God's image in ourselves,our families and our world.
