By Charmaine Chvala-Smith, Graceland University Seminary Chaplain

…and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all!

The last full day of senior high camp, an over-full day. We were only halfway through the final campfire, transitioning to the special worship to follow, and I was wiped out! Embarrassment had been the final straw. I wondered, “How many noticed my sweater was on backward?” As we gathered in the chapel for the final worship, this introvert had had enough and just wanted to hide in the darkness outside the candlelit circle. A few chairs sat in the lit area. Campers and staff were invited to come and be prayed for. As an elder, albeit a very new one, I should have been making myself available to offer some of those prayers, but everything in me wanted to hide. It felt like I had nothing left to offer.

A staff member I had assumed was not at all religious found me in the shadows, took me by the hand, and led me to the circle where he took a seat. Nothing needed to be said—it was clear he wanted me to pray for him. Another elder joined me, and we laid our hands on our friend’s head. Amazingly, enough energy and the right words materialized for that prayer, and several more that followed.

I had been “seen into being” and was suddenly clothed in that new self—the one rooted and nourished by Christ’s presence in our midst. Christ was astonishing at “seeing people into significance.” No matter how lowly their station in society, their failures, or their filth, Jesus helped them know they were made in the image of God; accepted, loved, and of worth. When someone sees us as valuable, we can loosen the armor of self-preservation, or the wrap of “not-enoughness” and reveal that new self—dressed in dignity.

Who has helped you see and claim that new self as a growing part of your identity? What experience reminds you that your worth before God is already established, and you have access to power you did not expect? Whom can you help recognize the “new self” Christ is already fashioning in them?

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.