All persons no matter who we are or where we come from bear the distinct mark of our Creator. Even though I know this, I don't always look at others through that lens. It's like I've developed spiritual cataracts.

Physical cataracts cloud the normally clear lens of a person's eye. People with cataracts feel like they're looking through foggy windows. As the cataracts grow, their environment becomes more and more blurred until surgery is required to keep them from losing their vision altogether.

Spiritual cataracts block us from seeing the intrinsic worth of others. We focus on the sin that mars the image of God, rather than the image that marks them as His children.

Jesus had neither physical nor spiritual cataracts. Nothing marred His vision from seeing His Father's thumbprint on each person and calling it out. Within the volatile Peter, Jesus identified a rock (Matthew 16:8). In the prejudiced can-anything-good-come-out-of-Nazareth Nathaniel, Jesus perceived an Israelite without guile (John 1:46-47). Jesus refused to let people's flaws cloud who they were meant to be.

He wants us to view others as He did. To intentionally look for the good, for the image of God in every person, no matter how hidden it might be. We may need to undergo some spiritual cataract surgery to make this happen, but interestingly, as our cataracts are removed, fuzzy thoughts about our own worth begin to clear up as well.

Up for some eye surgery?

Father, thank You for making us in Your image. Please help us see Your distinct mark on other people as well as ourselves. Help us get rid of any spiritual cataracts that cloud our vision. Amen.

Throughout This Day Today, in your everyday interactions, affirm areas in others that reflect God.



Tags: Love Psalm 8 Imago Dei John 1