Pure by Association – by Abby Kelly

“And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” Acts 10:15 (ESV)

What comes to mind when you think of a lotus flower? Google it, and up pops all the spiritual meaning associated with it in Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The reputation of this lovely blossom has been attached to something other than the glory of its Creator. As humans, it’s common for us to judge people based on associations. But, it’s important that we look closely for the impression of the Creator of all things. Just as every budding lotus flower, is perfectly shaped by the Master Designer, so every single person, no matter how sinful, offensive, broken or rebellious, bears the image, the indelible stamp of the Creator. If God took the time to endue a simple flower with the stamina to press through layers of mud and murky waters, and then to bloom even just barely above the surface; then He certainly placed redeemable value in every human heart. To be like the Savior who rescued us, we must be willing to look beyond cultural associations and recognize the fingerprints of God on every life. This includes ourselves; we cannot associate our value with our past, our circumstances, or our deeds. We have intrinsic value because God said so; and for those of us who trust Jesus as our Savior, we have restored purity, because we are associated with Him.

Today’s freelance Christian writer has been writing non-fiction and inspirational writing for about 15 years. Contact