It’s All About the Framing
I’m not too fond of yard sales. Maybe this is because I’m not much of a haggler. On either side of the table, the price is what it is. But, as I’m told, that takes all the fun out of yard sales. Not a problem for me. I wasn’t having too much fun anyway. My problem with yard sales is that I don’t immediately see the value of items that have been deemed no longer useful to its owner. If the owner no longer wants it, why should I? My perception was based on the usefulness another person found in the item rather than the item’s actual usefulness. Like an old tattered picture, though it may not be immediately apparent, there is beauty there. It’s all about the framing.
Far too often we judge another’s value or even our own value based on the opinions of others. We have thrown away friends because they no longer meet the needs we once had for them. Or we don’t invest in a relationship that feels well-worn and seems to have run its course. We, ourselves may have been the one deemed useless by friends or family, or even worse, been deemed useless by ourself. Well, I invite you to take sometime to explore your framework.
One definition for framework is “a basic conceptional structure (as of ideas); a set of ideas or facts that provide support for something.” Our ideas about who we are, are hung on a framework. Just like a house, the framework is the essential supporting structure. Everything else is built upon that frame. If the framework is faulty, the house cannot stand. Similarly, a picture frame provides support for a image that is displayed. It enhances the beauty of the picture.
It is important to construct a positive framework through which to view ourselves and others. This framework can only be correctly constructed through God’s word. Opinions, self-assessments, other’s assessments and rating scales can lead to a framework constructed on lies, misunderstandings, and misconceptions. When we start to believe these things strongholds are then set up in our minds. These strongholds prevent us from seeing the truth. Now we have all these wrong messages coupled with the world’s messages; “you have to be this, and do this, and have this” before you have any form of worth. We cannot afford to listen to and believe the lies of the world. Instead, embrace truth.
The old adage “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” reminds us of truth. First of all, who is beholding us? Sure, the world sees us; our family and friends believe they know us; we think we understand everything about ourselves. But, please don’t forget, the eyes of the Lord behold us. And His eyes detect a beauty and worth that others don’t. Scripture describes us as the apple of the Father’s eye. This means we are greatly cherished and valued. He took great care in creating us—fearfully and wonderfully. And He loves us so much that Christ took on our sins and washed us in His blood. He carries our burdens, anxieties, and apprehensions because He cares for us.
Let these truths be your framework. Only the truth of God’s word can combat the lies the we are inundated with. Embrace God’s truth. Breath it in and allow it to sweep away all the lies. Confess God’s truth, even when you don’t feel it. What others deem useless, is useful and usable to God.
Like that old tattered picture, it’s all about the framing. Properly framed, you could be holding a masterpiece. Indeed, you are a masterpiece made by God, and very much cherished.
For the eyes of the Lord we on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayers. 1 Peter 3:12a
In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, Deuteronomy 32:10
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Framework [Def. 1,3]. (n.d.). Merriam Webster Online, retrieved July 16, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/framework