One of the many things I love in life is thinking through where words/phrases originate and what they really do mean. So I would say that, since God’s always known this about me, he gave me the perfect daughter to steward down here–because she seldom if ever allows expressions to be said without requesting (okay-demanding really) an explanation for “What?!” and/or “Why?!” One of the many expressions I’ve broken down for her thus far is that of seeing someone through rose-colored glasses.
After researching this expression, I discovered that it can be found in many more places than just a country love song. It can also be found in various excerpts from literature dating back to the 1800’s. And, according to several word fanatics, the idea of “rosy” has actually been around since the 1700’s. As I attempted to explain rose-colored glasses to my little girl though, I quickly realized that the very best manner of doing so is by framing this expression within the context of our relationship with God; because our God now sees us through the ultimate rose-colored glasses, since he sees us through the lens of his perfect Son’s willing sacrifice.
And, through Christ’s cross, the “rose” descriptor has been forever trumped–as we, those who have embraced him as God’s very own son, are now and will always be seen by God through Christ-colored glasses. Even when we make major messes of our lives, and thus fall far short of his mark, we still share in Christ’s unblemished identity–we are still his, no matter what. Yes, Christ-colored glasses are much better than rose ones indeed, because we all know that making something appear a certain way doesn’t make it real and true–it simply makes it seem so. And none of our rosy views of ourselves and/or each other and the world around us are for real; they are quite limited and seriously flawed–only Christ isn’t.
As always, God’s words are so much better than my own. In the first chapter of the book of Isaiah, the Lord says, “Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool (verse 18);” and then in chapter 44, God says, “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like a morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you (verse 22).” And truly God has–he has bought us back, and the price of our redemption has been charged to Christ’s account; and Jesus never runs out of credit with God. Yes, God sees us just as he sees his Christ, thus there’s nothing we need to do to be in higher standing with him.
I just reread this and loved it all over again. I love word “meanings” and origins also This has led me to learn scripture by illustrating a verse in a painting.. I am also very visual and I think in pictures (bet you know what I mean). Is it not marvelous how God’s Written Word is given to us in this visual way through stories, poetry, prose, allegories, parables, similes, metaphors etc ?
Yet we cannot “see” until we have been given those “rose colored glasses” (so to speak.)
I saw that you commented on this post via Facebook and I responded there but never did here-so very sorry I missed doing that. Please know that I love and respect your insight into Scripture so very much, Sharon! And I’ve felt it a real privilege to study the Word alongside you at CBS for the past several years. Our Father is the ultimate writer/artist. And he’s ever-teaching us through the diversity of his art.