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Article Archive |
2007
Touching Up Lives
by Jim Morris
Touching up old family photos is a hobby of mine. I have boxes of blemished pictures of my mom, dad and brothers. However, I sometimes look at those old pictures and wonder, “What's the use trying to restore these messed up things?” The task of restoration seems too great. Actually, I have almost given in to the temptation to trash the whole lot, until I come across a photo with my mom or my dad smiling. Many of my loved ones are no longer here on earth. Mom, dad and my older brother, Tommy, are now with the Lord. All I have are raggedy photos linked to their beautiful memories.
Of course, old pictures have to be handled with care. Many of them have been mistreated, thrown around, scuffed up, scratched, torn and worse. I sure do not want to worsen the damage already done by careless handling on my part.
First, I make sure my hands are clean. I don't want any dirt on my hands contaminating the photos. Then, I clean up the pictures. I wipe them with a soft cloth making sure that I do not rub them too hard. After all, they cannot bear too much pressure when they are hurt. Next, I scan the images into my computer so I can use my photo retouch tools. I try to look beyond the stains and scars to see the original image. Sometimes, though, it takes a little imagination to see what was there before the injuries. Finally, after much hard work and patience, I see the photo emerge without visible scars. I rejoice and save it to disk!
Touching up lives is also a hobby of mine. I know lots of blemished Christians. However, I sometimes look at those brethren and wonder, “What's the use trying to restore these messed up folks?” Even so, just when I feel that the task is too great, my brethren surprise me. I catch a glimpse of the “image of God” in their lives and I decide to keep trying. It is like seeing the sparkle of gold that drives the fatigued prospector back down into the bowels of the earth to mine even harder.
Of course, hurting Christians must be handled with care. They have been mistreated, thrown around, scuffed up, scratched, torn and worse. They need someone to restore them without making their situations worse. They need someone skilled in the delicate art of restoration. How can we help?
First, we must make sure our lives are clean. We don't want our own sins adding contamination. Second, the hurting brethren need to be cleaned up gently. They need someone to “wipe down” their lives with the towel of compassion and understanding. A heavy handed person will only tear up their lives even more. Third, hurting brethren need someone who is spiritual to “scan” their lives. That is, their lives must be laid alongside the teachings of Christ. Hurting brethren need to be brought back into the world of God's word to have access to the retouching tools. We have to look beyond the scars to see the original image of God in them. Finally, after much hard work and patience, we should see the image of God emerge without visible scars. That is a great time of rejoicing and God saves them!
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2).
03-14-07
# 11
