Sometimes people upgrade; they are willing to pay a little more for something of higher quality or improved and capable of more functions than what was previously owned. Then there are people who decide to downgrade; get a functional version of something at a lesser price. However, could there be downgrading that is degrading?
Let us never forget the essence God created us to possess as we read. . .
“(26) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)
It was not other aspects of God’s creation, but humanity He created to possess His essence. However, despite sin having marred that Divine essence we were created to possess, God has provided the means through Christ to have it renewed; being a new creation in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:17) God is able to restore to the original; to upgrade from the downgrade we have experienced.
Peter encouragingly noted what God’s divine power makes possible where we read. . .
“(3) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (4) by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)
With God’s intent and provision in mind, would it not appear for us to say (or excuse ourselves with) “I’m only human” would be to degrade what God intended for us to be? Yes, we are human, but God also created us as spiritual beings to share His holy essence. We have been called to be holy as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16) May we therefore be encouraged by all God wants us to be, as we surrender to the continuing transformative work (i.e. 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10) He is doing!
Have a great day BEING RESTORED TO GOD’S ORIGINAL DESIGN!
Carl
