Once you realize this, life hits different!

I saw this post and I just had to share it with you. My thoughts below after shared post.

God and Man, Part One

By His Eminence Metropolitan Saba

“Saint Sophrony, a disciple and spiritual son of Saint Silouan of Athos, is considered one of the most important theologians of the Orthodox Church in the twentieth century. Following a lecture and discussion at the University of Oxford, the moderator asked the audience: Is there a final question? One of the attendees asked Saint Sophrony: "Who is God?" He answered, "Tell me first: Who is man?"

The connection between God and man is, in fact, much deeper than one might imagine. God is not sitting far away in His heaven, watching man and what he does, like someone watching a movie on television. When God created man, He created, at the core of his being, an essential connection with him. There is nothing more evident than the constant longing for absolute fullness that transcends all limits, and ignorance of it often causes a person's constant tension and anxiety. Thinkers ponder: Why does the mortal human being, who exists in a world where everything is fleeting, possess this unlimited longing and this dream of immortality? They consider this human aspiration towards absoluteness and perfection, in a limited and corrupt world, a sign of the existence of the Supreme Absolute, that is, God.

Imprinted on man is the continuous aspiration for perfection with his Creator, because he is the only creature imprinted in the image of his God. Thus, you find man inherently drawn to horizons that are endless, across all fields. You see him searching and striving, tirelessly, toward completion, perfection, and infinity. The wonderful saying of the blessed Augustine rings true in it: "You created us to turn to Thee, O Lord, and our hearts will not find rest unless they rest in Thee."

How could this not be, when God created man differently than the rest of creation. The Bible says that later came into being by a word from God: "Let it be thus," and it happened... "And God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1). This is how all other living and inanimate creatures came into being. As for man, God said: "Let us make man in our image and after our likeness," and then He took dust from the earth, formed it, and breathed into it the breath of life, and Adam was made. Of course, this is a theological depiction of creation. The Divine Revelation wants to say through him the following:

Man was created in the image of God, that is, there is something special in him, a breath of God, and this is the meaning of "breathed into him."

He is called to attain the divine ideal by developing the image of God that is in him. He is called to become, by divine grace, a "little god," in the words of some of the Holy Fathers of the Church.

In the eyes of God, he is the most important creature among all creation. The Biblical narrative speaks about God working with His hands to create man. By this, he is above all creatures. (However, Biblical revelation tells us that God is spirit, and therefore, He has no hands or bodies like us.)

Also, God's call to Adam to name the animals means that God crowned him king over creation. In this, he has a role and a responsibility.

Hence, in Orthodox theology, man is a being in two worlds: the heavenly and the earthly. His perfect and most complete example is the second hypostasis of the Holy Trinity, the incarnate Lord Jesus Christ, who in his person combined divinity and humanity.

Thus, man has become – through Jesus Christ and His divine grace – capable of attaining God's likeness and experiencing the uncreated Divine Light.

Therefore, we find in Christianity, and in Orthodoxy in particular, much discussion and many living examples about those who have attained a pure and holy life, qualifying them to receive the light of the uncreated God, and subsequently experience the state of theosis (deification).

Are we surprised that philosophical movements that have "killed" God and declared atheism as their approach have returned to "crush" man? The "death of God," is inevitably followed by the death of man. For what value does man have that distinguishes him from other beings, if he loses his connection to God and loses his inherent uniqueness in the divine image? He becomes just a number, with no unique personality, no feelings, and no special entity. He becomes just a talking animal.”

https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/2165

Learning that the flesh, it’s DNA, it’s problems, and it’s experiences, was NOT the sum total of who I am. In my young adulthood, coming to the realization of divine origin and God-likeness, while yet being in human flesh, was astounding! What could I do now that I know this? What CANT I do? What should I not do, now that I know this? What amount of responsibility does this endow me with? I was shocked to discover that the church had been teaching this (perhaps moreso in eastern Christianity than post modern American church). It wasnt hidden, so much as it was either not known or not emphasized, where I came from. My self esteem improved. My anxiety decreased. I no longer compared myself to others as much. I became more patient with myself, learning how to relax when I made mistakes. Mistakes became just another challenge to overcome, another way I needed to learn to master the flesh. The flesh was not “bad” so much as it just needed to be tamed, redirected, and refocused to do the will of my God, through the Spirit.

Anyways….

 Here’s some notes based on the reading:

• - Recognize Your Divine Origin: Understand that humans are created in the image of God, which means we are called to strive for holiness and perfection in our lives, much like the divine ideal. This awareness can help us seek higher values and deeper meaning in everyday actions.

• - Strive for Inner Fulfillment: The constant yearning for something more, a longing for perfection, is rooted in our spiritual connection to God. Instead of seeking fulfillment in fleeting pleasures, focus on spiritual growth, prayer, and communion with God, which provide true peace and rest.

• - Embrace Your Uniqueness: Realize that your value comes from being created in God’s image. You are more than just a number in the world; your soul carries divine significance. This realization should guide your self-worth and interactions with others, fostering respect for all life.

• - Pursue Theosis (Union with God): By cultivating a pure and holy life, we can partake in God’s grace and become more like Him. Daily prayers, reading Scripture, and participating in sacraments can help align your life toward this spiritual transformation.

• - Take Responsibility Over Creation: Like Adam naming the animals, we have a responsibility towards the world around us. Treat creation with care and responsibility, recognizing our role as stewards of the earth.

• - Live in Two Worlds: Understand that as humans, we exist in both the earthly and heavenly realms. Balance your earthly duties with your spiritual life, being mindful of your eternal purpose, and remember that your actions here have significance beyond the material world.

• - Resist Dehumanization: In a world that often devalues human life, be mindful of your inherent dignity and the dignity of others. Uphold human rights and resist philosophies or systems that reduce people to mere "numbers" or "animals."

• - Seek God’s Light: Through prayer and a holy life, you can experience God’s presence, the "uncreated Divine Light." This spiritual illumination is not just for saints but is available to all who sincerely pursue God.

So, like, thats a lot to take in, BUT, here’s some practical ways to implement this in your life. Small daily and weekly simple practices, pile up over time:

- Daily Prayer: Set aside a few minutes each day for quiet prayer. Start your day by thanking God for life and asking for guidance. Even a short prayer like, "Lord, help me grow closer to You today" can make a big difference.

- Scripture Reading: Read a few verses from the Bible daily. You don’t need to read a lot; focus on quality, not quantity. Meditate on what it means to be created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27) and how to apply it in your life.

- Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This keeps your mind focused on the blessings God has given and helps cultivate a heart of contentment and joy.

- Respect Others: Treat each person you encounter with kindness and dignity, recognizing that they too are made in the image of God. Smile, listen actively, and show compassion.

- Limit Distractions: Set aside time each day to unplug from social media, TV, and other distractions. Use this time for reflection, prayer, or reading spiritual books to connect with God and avoid being consumed by worldly concerns.

- Take Care of the Earth: Be mindful of how you treat the environment. Recycle, reduce waste, and show gratitude for creation through simple acts of stewardship.

- Serve Others: Look for small ways to serve those around you—help a neighbor, give to charity, or volunteer. Serving others helps you live out your role as steward of creation and part of God’s kingdom.

- Attend Church Regularly: Participate in the sacraments and communal worship. Being part of a church helps you grow spiritually and strengthens your connection to God and others.

- Mindful Living: Before making decisions, pause and ask yourself, "Does this reflect who I am as someone created in God’s image?" Let this guide your thoughts, words, and actions.