I recently wrote seven devotionals about the Images of Narnia in C.S. Lewis’ books. I talked about the ways our mental images influence our beliefs. For instance if we hold an image of God that looks like a vindictive, sort of scary father, we’ll react differently than if our image is one of a kind, powerful, caring father who always loves us no matter what.

I love the six-panel pictures posted on Facebook about “How my Mother thinks I look, How my friends think I look and How I really look.” So what is your picture of a Christian? Is it the geeky nerd wearing white socks and loafers? The Church Lady from old Laugh In episodes? (this one shows my age) A naive do-gooder? An angry protester in front of an abortion clinic? Just what does a Christian look like?

I don’t find many positive images of believers in today’s media, do you? And if we’re portrayed in negative ways, why is that? We can blame a fallen world. We can blame everyone from liberals to conservatives and all critters in between. But maybe the answer is closer to home.

I know a God who loves people. I know a God who wants to restore broken lives and care for the hurting, helpless and needy. And I also know Christians who live their lives in beautiful ways, expressing this love to all they meet. I want to be that kind of Christian. I want to change the negative images one picture at a time… because the picture matters.