Rector's letter for November Fowey News

Dear Friends

Amidst our diversity and differences, there are nonetheless many things we have in common. Last month I wrote about the desire for life. This month I’d like to focus on image.

Corporations spend billions on their branding to create particular image. But image is not only important for business. Whether we do it consciously or not, we all want to portray a particular image – even if it’s that we don’t care about our image!

Think about how you present yourself in the photos you hang on your wall or on social media. Your profile picture, the pictures you share, and the comments you make all help to project the image that you want for yourself. I’m sure every picture is full of smiling, happy faces which, of course, projects a lovely, though not entirely accurate, image.

But behind the multiplicity of ways we project ourselves, there is a more basic image in each of us, not so much for us to invent and reveal to the world as it is revealed to us. Christians believe we are all made in the image of God. and there’s something about being made in God’s image that’s worth knowing. It means that we are all extraordinarily valuable – regardless of our identity, status, ability, or circumstances.

We are often very shallow and foolish in our thinking, valuing people according to how clever, rich, important, talented, successful, or beautiful they are. We look at their home, clothes, qualifications, job, or hairstyle, and we make value judgements. Sadly, we write off some people. We conclude that they are not worth very much – not worth talking to; not worth bothering with; not worth helping.

But being made in God’s image means that we are all intrinsically valuable. And, deep down, we know it. That’s why, at great expense and risk, we don’t think twice about sending rescue teams up mountains or out to sea to rescue anyone who is lost – regardless of how clever or important or beautiful they are. We seek to save lives regardless of nationality, gender, sexuality, age, or religion. We instinctively recognise the value of human life.

We are certainly frail, earth-bound, physical creatures. Materially speaking we are as base and brittle as our lives are brief. As the funeral service reminds us, we are but dust. But the Bible tells us we are also made in God’s image and breathed upon by God. We are dirt-bags kissed by heaven. Beloved dust. And in that connection we are precious beyond all earthly valuation.

(with thanks to Pete Jackson and Glen Scrivener)

with every blessing

Philip