Reframe Me: Divine Design

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves wrestling with the complexities of our identity, purpose, and the pursuit of meaning. As we embark on this new series, our focus sharpens on a profound and transformative question:

What does it mean to truly live with Jesus in the center of every area of our lives?

This question isn’t just rhetorical; it’s the foundation of a journey toward understanding how the gospel changes us.

The Gospel: A Catalyst for Change
We recognize that through Jesus we have eternal life with God. Yet, the gospel’s influence extends beyond this magnificent truth—it has the power to enhance our daily lives in unimaginable ways. This transformation often encounters a formidable obstacle: ourselves. Our reflection in the mirror frequently reveals our harshest critic and the person responsible for our past mistakes. The path to change, therefore, begins with a challenge to alter our perspectives and reframe ourselves in the image of Christ.

• Reflect on the idea that the greatest obstacle to living with Jesus as the center of every area of our lives is often ourselves. How does this resonate with your journey?

Jesus at the Center: A Ripple Effect on Life
Placing Jesus at the center of our lives isn’t a mere spiritual adjustment; it’s a revolutionary realignment that affects everything. Reframing our lives in the image of Christ acts as a catalyst for stronger families, more resilient marriages, and generational blessings. It’s about more than personal betterment; it’s a communal uplift that transforms societies and forges a legacy of positive impact.

• Explore the ripple effects of placing Jesus at the center of our lives, families, and marriages. Can you share examples from your life or someone you know where this has made a difference?

   

• Consider the statement, “Generational issues get erased when Jesus is at the center.” Discuss the potential long-term impacts of this transformation on families and communities.

Who Am I, Really?
Our greatest challenge in this transformative journey is often our struggle with self-worth and identity. Knowing we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139) by God is not just a comfort; it’s a call to recognize our inherent value and purpose. We are God’s masterpiece, designed for good works that fulfill God’s purpose. Yet, this truth is easily obscured by our doubts and the devaluation of our divine origin.

• Discuss the concept that we are God’s masterpiece, created with intention and purpose. How does this understanding affect your self-perception and interactions with others?

The New Perspective
To reframe our lives in the image of Christ means to see ourselves as God sees us: valuable, loved, and intentionally created. This reframing involves shedding the false identities and values the world imposes on us and embracing the truth of our creation. We are reminded that our worth is not determined by our accomplishments, possessions, or the fleeting standards of beauty and success. Instead, our true value is anchored in being made in the image of God, redeemed by Christ, and called to eternal purpose.

• Reflect on the importance of recognizing our own worth as divinely designed by God. How can this recognition influence our daily decisions and relationships?

Embracing Our Divine Design
Understanding that we are God’s “poiema” (Ephesians 2:10), His workmanship, compels us to live in alignment with the good works He prepared for us. This realization isn’t just about acknowledging our design but living it out in every aspect of our lives. It means recognizing our uniqueness as a testament to God’s creativity and allowing His love to define our worth.

• How does acknowledging our unique creation by God challenge the way we view and treat others in our communities?

An Invitation to Transformation
The journey of reframing our lives in the image of Christ is ongoing, marked by moments of revelation, repentance, and renewal. It’s a call to view our lives through the lens of God’s eternal love and purpose, to see beyond right now and grasp the eternal destiny designed for us.

• Consider how realizing we are a masterpiece created by God for a purpose can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life. How can we support each other in living out this purpose?