Frankenstein

Feel like Frankenstein’s monster? Feel that you look like Frankenstein’s monster? Or, are you secretly trying to be your own mad scientist, carefully constructing your ”perfect” body, your “perfect” life, your “perfect” heart’s desire? Recognize yourself here? I know that I sure do. Disorders and addictions thrive on the hope of the “perfect” result of that certain something that’s “missing.” It leaves us chasing after more. And the more we chase, the more of an unwanted monster we seem to get. So, in your life, what are you creating? Are you happy, really happy, with the results you’re seeing?

In this famous story of the monster, a scientist thought that he was creating a desired life and specific result, never again threatened by death or loss. And so, the monster was formed. However, this educated expert, convinced that he knew exactly what he was doing, could not control the result of the formed monster. Check out Mary Shelley’s work, watch the film adaptations; you’ll see how the results were disastrous.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Proverbs 14:12

And so it is with disordered eating, addictions, self-injury and image obsessions. You can start out with one reason and soon see the monster take on a destructive life of its own. You can convince yourself that you’ll just do something “only once” or “just once more.” You can convince yourself that you’ll just lose five or ten more pounds. You’re just going to keep at it until you get this “perfect” result. Then, you say, you’ll be happy. Then, you say, you’ll stop. That’s what I’ve said. But, in the meantime, I lost track of my “creation.” Before I knew it, just like Shelley’s tale, my monster came after me with a vengeance.
We are creative beings, taking after God, the Creator. So, of course, we’re going to create something. But what is it? Is it a monster? A disorder? An obsession? When creating or desiring anything for our lives, we need to be respectful of the power of our creativity and of our longings. They can be healing or they can be harmful.

Regardless of our creativity and goals, we need to remember that God, the Creator, is in control; He has the final say. He purposed each one of us.

“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”
Isaiah 43:7

That means, in spite of our discontent, God still sees our value; we were created for His Love and Glory. We can have our “bright ideas,” but we are not omnipotent. That becomes especially clear, if/when we deal with an untamed, unplanned monster of our own making.

Yes, it comes back to God, even with our formed and yet unformed monsters. Regardless of our sins, mistakes and harmful choices, we can stop and ask for help. We can stop and ask GOD for help. Monster or no monster, God already IS our help!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalms 46:1

So, the challenge for each of us is to check our monsters and present them, honestly, to God. What are they? Where are they? Go to God with them, even when it seems that they are overtaking you. You are not Frankenstein; you are not a monster. You are not your own creation either. You belong to God. You are His Child, spectacular and wonderful!

“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
—Psalm 139:14

Remember that when a monster comes up in your life!