A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Yards

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18 ESV).

It has often been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” That phrase is an English idiom that refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image or that an image of a subject conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does. It is believed by some that the modern use of the phrase stems from an article by Fred R. Barnard in the advertising trade journal, Printers’ Ink, promoting the use of images in advertisements that appeared on the sides of streetcars in the early 1900’s. Regardless, no one would doubt our age as being one of visual aids, TV, videos and multimedia computers. They have made such an impact that without such aids any form of presentation seems ineffective. This practice often is an obstacle for Christians. When they see they have enough money, a fine house, a good job and future security they feel they can worship God better who, as it were, is seen behind these things. Gradually the function of faith is being taken away by the visible things though we know visible things are entirely temporary. It is a strange dichotomy we face. On the one hand we believe in a God who has revealed himself in human form and somehow forget the incredible revelation of God in creation and history itself. Our experience is one of the great definitions of the person of God. During those times when our faith wanes we should remember the countless times God has shown himself. Every one of these revelations proves his consistency. The pictures of God are all around us. Take a moment and inventory how you have seen Him today. Was it first in the sunrise? Perhaps you saw him in the faces of you children as they slept. Or, it might have been in a more demonstrative means as God reached into your life and worked on your behalf miraculously. Whatever picture comes to your mind, remember it is not the whole of God. There is even more ahead! Center your faith in that knowledge. It will stay you in these days.