An Icon!

When we think of an icon, what comes to mind? Some would think of someone noted as an all-time rock'n'roll icon (i.e. Elvis, the Beatles, etc.). Perhaps others would think of a sports icon (i.e. Babe Ruth). Or it could be a movie star, an individual REPRESENTING statesmanship, or REPRESENTATIVE of some other sphere of life. Still others might think of a religious symbol or statue (i.e. a cross, a menorah, etc.). Then there are the computer icons which we click on to bring up particular programs. Those images on the computer screen REPRESENT the program with which they are associated.

Have we ever considered our own life being an icon? Does such a thought sound a little vain? There is a critical sense in which we need to consider what it is others see our life most REPRESENTING! What comes to mind when others consider the quality our life represents? How much does it REPRESENT CHRIST?

Though some are too blind to see Jesus (i.e. 2 Corinthians 4:4) and others are too focused on other things to see Him (i.e. 2 Corinthians 3:12-14), is Jesus REPRESENTED by our manner of living? With regard to those who had accepted Christ, Paul went on in this letter to state. . .

"(17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (18) And we all, with unveiled face, BEHOLDING THE GLORY OF THE LORD, ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO THE SAME IMAGE from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 ESV)

The Greek word translated "image" is "eikona" (from "eikon"), which "denotes an image; the word involves the two ideas of representation and manifestation." [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words] It is from this Greek word that we get the English "icon". (Paul also used this word in Romans 8:29.) In his letter to the church at Corinth Paul was pointing out that in Christ we are being transformed (Greek: "metamorphoo", being changed into another form) into the IMAGE OF THE LORD. As Jesus' life was an "icon" of God, our life is to become an "icon" for the Lord. We are to live our life REPRESENTATIVE OF HIS ESSENCE!

We are flesh, but that is not all there is to our makeup. We were created to be spiritual beings. Is only the image (icon) of the first man (Adam) being seen in our life, or on a closer look can people observe the image (icon) of Christ? ( 1 Corinthians 15:49)

We are not a statue, but our spiritual stature is to be that of A LIVING REPRESENTATION OF OUR LORD. May our life truly continue to reflect more and more His glory as we allow God's spiritual metamorphosis do its work in and through us.

Have a great day LIVING THE LIFE THAT STANDS FOR CHRIST!

Carl

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