Have you ever stopped to think about what image you project to others? Think about this - we have three images: a perceived image, a projected image, and an actual image. What's the difference?
Our perceived image is how others see us. Our projected image is the way we desire others to see us. Our actual image is who we really are. While our actual image can be hidden from others, it it fully visible to God. And, it is how we will be revealed before God at the judgement seat.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV): For we all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
In other words, how we have lived our life here on earth, is what we will be judged by in front of the judgement seat of God. What is the difference from the above? Think about this - Jesus was misunderstood, falsely accused, identified as a drunkard and glutton, a heretic, and even accused of satan using him. He was rejected. His perceived image was unfavorable in the eyes of many.
Jesus' stepbrothers wanted Him to 'prove' Himself - and pressured Jesus to live out a projected image. "you say you are the Son of God; show your miracles to the world and prove it!" But yet, Jesus' actual image is quite different from what many perceived, for he is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus' perceived image isn't what endured beyond His death and resurrection. What endured, is His actual image.
So sit back and think about who you are. Who are you when around others? When around your friends; around your family - are you the same person, and are you giving a perceived, projected, or an actual image? Seriously, I want you to stop and think about this. I did.
All of us want people to think good of us. I'm one of those people. I don't want people to know my bad days or my bad thoughts (well, obviously you do, if you read in here!). But I don't want to be known by those. I don't try to pretend I'm better than anyone else (I'm definitely not!) and I don't want others to look at me and think that I'm boastful or prideful (you know how pride and I fight all the time!) but I want them to see the REAL me. Broken, bruised, yes - but one who has surrendered their life to the One who can save me. It doesn't mean I don't fall at times; but when I seek Him, and ask forgiveness, I know that He will help me give up the things that try to take me down and will set my feet on His firm found dation of solid ground.
We have seen what pride has done to some people; and sadly they don't realize that people reject them for their pride. We all know people like that. What can we do with those people? We pray for them, that their eyes will be opened, and we forgive them for this projected image.
We have seen what people do when they want others to think highly of them - when in reality, we know they are not who they think they are (even in their minds).
Why can't we be the person we are? What causes us to be afraid of who we are and don't want others to see it? The thing is, when judgement comes, God sees all. Who are you, really? Be that person! Don't hide behind who you think you are or want to be. Don't be 'like' someone else, be yourself!
Ok - I had that on my mind because of my reading for today so wanted to get it out there before I forgot and moved on. So now that you have skimmed through all that....
We had our Revelation study last night at church and it went well. Because we don't get home until about 8:45PM (past our bedtime!) we stay up another hour or so just to relax and get ourselves ready for bed. And what happened this morning? I woke up at 3:15AM, but was able to go back to sleep - after all, I had 45 minutes more, at least, right? I woke up next at 5:20AM! So I'm having to skip some of my reading this morning so that I can type in here and get on the work computer (which I already have up). (So am I perceiving, projecting or actual?) Trust me - this is me, running around like a chicken with its head cut off because I'm running behind my 'schedule'!
Today is work; still trying to learn aspects of PowerPoint. I know some basics, but I need to learn more. Watching YouTube videos to hopefully find the answers I need on how to fix a PowerPoint slide. Yesterday wasn't that busy so was able to watch some (then got bored and turned it off). Today I'm not sure what all I will have to do; I know I have 3 meetings I need to move as soon as I can. Was waiting on responses of availability when I signed off last night. My workout is at 5PM so no rushing around there. Then we are taking a grandson out for his birthday. Nothing fancy; probably will just go to Mercer's not far from him. Housecleaners are coming today so I need to do pick up off the couch and straighten a few things. I think this time I will not have this room cleaned; my amazon boxes are stacking up (I have no place to store the items inside for now - Christmas gifts). So - for at least two months he can skip this room, as we have done before. The only thing it really needs is the carpet done but I have boxes all over it so may as well skip it.
And with all that - I need to get off here and head to the work computer. Once I sign in and skim messages, I'll get dressed as the housecleaners will be here between 8-8:30AM I think. They do a great job cleaning, for sure, since hubby won't clean and won't let me (except when he's gone and I can sweep and mop the kitchen floor!). I'm usually embarrassed things are messy, but they don't get touched except once a month.
Today is my youngest son's birthday - 51 years old... doesn't seem possible. Grateful God has answered my prayers and protected him all these years; he has done some really stupid things. As we all have, but.... and I'll leave that there. Happy birthday, son, just in case you read here.
Blessings!
