The elegant remnants of the architecture and sculptured buildings of Eastern Europe left a great impression on me when visiting in 1990. These edifices had survived the bombs of World Wars I and II and the wear and tear of 50 years of communism. Graffiti had not come into vogue in the years of war and was not allowed under communism. However, as I visit the capital cities of Eastern Europe today, magnificent buildings and even cathedrals are stained with senseless graffiti. What causes a society to take precious structures and ruin them? Is this what "freedom" has brought?
Years ago, our family visited an 11th century Benedictine monastery in Prague. Priceless books painstakingly copied by monks filled the library. Upon asking, we were told that cards scattered between books throughout the shelves were reminders of priceless books that had been stolen during communist rule. One of these books could bring enough money to support a fine lifestyle.
What motivates a person to steal irreplaceable works of art and literature for personal gain, or deface elegant architecture for silly pleasure? If we treat mere objects so indifferently, are we capable of doing the same with human life?
God created man and woman in His image to reflect His glory. Genesis 1:27 says:
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them".
We deface, devalue or ruin His creation when we view people as expendable. . .
- Mistreat. . . . . . even abuse those entrusted to our care;
- Or choose sin over holiness in our own personal lives
Is there hope for us? We don't have to choose destruction. God gives us the opportunity to reflect God's glory to others as we
"are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit". II Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
As Christ followers we have the incredibly priceless opportunity to reflect Him to the world in the way we view and treat ourselves and others. Let us not deface the property!
Sharing the journey with you,
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