Turn Again

It is well-known that most pictures we see of models in glossy advertisements are not accurate representations of what they look like in “real life.” “Photoshopped” images are the norm, and many techniques are used to get the perfect picture. Today it is standard for pictures of models to be digitally enhanced —teeth are whitened or straightened, blemishes are removed, necks are lengthened, and pounds are removed by software that can literally reshape the subject of a photograph.

What is seen in glossy magazines is almost never reality.

What happens when we accept falsehood in the place of reality in our spiritual life? The Bible encourages us not to Photoshop our lives or attempt to airbrush our Christian experience. It’s wise to regularly carry out a moral inventory and take a good look in the spiritual mirror to see how your life compares with God’s will. Doing so requires spiritual bravery because when you ask God to help you to see yourself as you truly are, you may well see some things you don’t much like.

But the Bible makes clear that when you see you are falling short and identify areas where you could grow spiritually, you should not become discouraged.

Jeremiah’s instruction offers us a balanced hope.

We must examine ourselves carefully; then, we must “turn back to the LORD” (Lamentations 3:40). Discouragement is one of the devil’s most effective tools. He would like you to see your shortcomings and turn away from God.

But it is when you see your weaknesses that you most need to turn to God. Don’t be afraid to see yourself as you really are.

And when you do, turn to God and not away from Him.