By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Our twenty-six year old son is a 3-D Digital Design Artist. If you aren’t sure what that is, you’re not alone. When Ben first entered his chosen career path, my husband and I were equally baffled.
Essentially, a 3-D digital artist uses computer programming tools and technology to sculpt three-dimensional characters and images, similar to traditional sculptors that use clay. The main difference being that one uses a computer; the other uses physical material. Although digital designs are made with a computer. they can be 3-D printed into actual physical forms.
If it’s still a bit unclear, you can click here to watch one of our son’s quick tutorials.
When something is 3-D it has length, depth, and width. All three dimensions help to bring the form to life.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary “three –dimensional” is defined as:
- of, relating to, or having three dimensions
- describing or being described in well-rounded completeness
- true to life : LIFELIKE
These definitions remind me of something else three-dimensional—you and me. And not just you and me—God too!
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27).
While the full concept of being made in God’s image is somewhat of a mystery, it is not entirely perplexing. The Bible tells us that God is three in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the same way that God has three parts, we have three parts: a mind, body, and spirit.
For decades I struggled with self-acceptance. It was one of the biggest factors that drove my obsession with food and body-image. I placed entirely too much focus on only the one dimension of who God created me to be, my body—diets, exercise, beauty products, clothes, anything that would help me achieve the ideal image that the world was projecting.
If only I had placed more attention on the inside, I might have saved myself from a whole lot of misery all around: physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Eventually, I began seeking God with more intentionality, and as I did so, He began opening my eyes to the truth. Who I am (and who you are) is so much more than a body.
A healthy body-image, renewed mind, and steadfast spirit complete our multi-dimensional identity. (Romans 12:2; Psalm 51:10)
“The works of his hands are faithful and just…” (Psalm 111:7).
May we be ever pliable in the Artist’s hands, allowing Him to fashion us this way and that, bringing length to life, depth to character, and wide-reaching impact to the kingdom of God.
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
