Jesus filter

I’m not a social media expert (I’ll be the first to admit that). But I do have Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and I try to update the world from time to time my thoughts and happenings.

I’m not great at navigating all the buttons and features of these platforms so I’m not always great at connecting and networking with groups and individuals. But I do like the “likes, follows, mentions, and retweets.”

I’m just as guilty as the next person at trying to showcase the best and hide the rest. I’ll take multiple photos paying attention to the hands, the posture, the people or objects in the background, any shadows; trying to eliminate all the distractions and keeping every photo in focus.

With every new addition to photo filtering these editors are trying to provide the absolute best result for what is pleasing to the eye. Me too! I desperately want you to like me and my vulnerability for sharing my life with you in the form of megapixels.

The filter is meant to clarify. To illuminate the primary subject of each photo. To help us slow down and stare intently at the prize of each collection of these pixels.

A filter also purifies.

We have one of those filtration systems for drinking water in the kitchen. Water out of the faucet is good. It can suffice. Quench the thirst. But purified water is simply more refreshing. Eliminating some of the contaminants that flow through the pipes of our homes.

Sure most of the contaminants that are removed from the water are hardly even noticeable. But when the filter is changed and the almost invisible elements are removed from the water it makes us appreciate the work of the filtration system all the more.

SnapChat filters and water filters are just part of life. Some know it. Others don’t. Those who do see the clarity and purity of the filters. Those who haven’t experienced it don’t recognize what they’re missing.

The problem happens when we become so concerned about what’s happening next that we seldom enjoy the now. We’re so busy plugging holes, checking boxes, passing ‘Go’ on our Monopoly-like life that we never stay long enough to enjoy the sights and smells of Marvin Gardens.

More importantly than social media and clean drinking water is the Jesus filter I try to use with my thinking, decision making, financial spending, and every other area of my life.

Jesus is more than some ride along. He’s not a co-pilot. He’s more than one of the nine squares on my tic-tac-toe board of daily living. Jesus is not looking to be compartmentalized into one area of life like a career, hobby, or some major purchase.

What we need is a Jesus filter. The framework through which every area of life flows. What we say, what we think, what we do. It should flow through the continuum of having Him in the center of our lives.

The Jesus filter clarifies. It helps make sense of our purpose. It provides meaning to the ins and outs, ups and downs of our days. The struggles and successes of our lives are kept in perspective when our lives flow through the Jesus filter.

The fuzzy picture becomes clear. What was once blurry comes into focus. The shadows begin to dissipate in the light of His purpose for our lives. The background noise begins to be silenced. The distractions are removed and our periphery is narrowed to a singular view of what’s most important in our lives; our good and His glory.

The Jesus filter purifies. He drains the excess dross off the gold standard of righteous living. He removes the contaminants of filth that dominated our lives before we met Him. He is cleansing us of the unrighteous, self-destructing attitudes woven in the makeup of our existence. He is washing away the lies the deceiver has planted in our minds.

When you look at that next Instagram photo and take that next sip of cold water, think about the filters that made them what they are. When you take your next breath, consider the Jesus filter that brings clarity and purity to an otherwise misguided purpose for your life. Jesus is more than an add-on; He’s the filter through which all of life flows.