The
Mere
What's in the name?
The word Mere, originating from the Latin word for 'pure', is used to describe how small or insignificant we are as humans. God Himself used it when He created us humans. Together with 'reflection' and 'representative', 'Mere' is one of the meanings of the word 'image' used in Genesis 1:26.
So: "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness", can also be:
"Let us make mankind as our reflection, in our likeness"
"Let us create mankind as our representation, in our likeness" or
"Let us create mankind in our mere, in our likeness".
We are like God, but we aren't God. Compared to Him we are small and insignificant.
Our purpose isn't in achieving personal perfection. It isn't in appearing awesome, looking strong or having it all together.
All of that is a heavy burden we were never meant to carry.
Our purpose is in reflecting His perfection.
Reflection doesn't take hard, straining work. It takes:
-
positioning yourself in front of the One you want to reflect
e.g. getting to know God intimately, connecting to Him, knowing His word,
hearing His voice, worshiping Him
-
a willingness to be pure
e.g. repenting sin, allowing brokenness to be restored and (old) wounds to be healed,
become who God created you to be, being honest & real
That's living 'From the Mere':
released from the burden of perfection, simply allowing for pure reflection.
Gen 1:26, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Exodus 34:29-35, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:22-24, 1 John 1:9
