DIRT OR DUST?

Certain preachers (especially those of the Calvinist persuasion) paint humanity as dirt - foul and worthless.

Certainly not something to be loved. But something to be disdained. And punished. Avoided, maybe, too.

Even from birth.

Voddie Baucham likes to say that babies are "vipers in diapers". 

And his audience laughs and applauds.

He speaks this way of Yahweh's image-bearers!

The ones whom He made "a little lower than the angels" and then "crowned ... with glory and honor". (Psalm 8:5)

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, King David reminded God's people:

"As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame;

He is mindful that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14)

God doesn't see dirt when He looks at us. 

He sees dust. 

And that's not to say He sees us as filthy and disposable. 

It means He sees us as fragile and needing extra care.