Genesis 3. The devil devalues humans through the power of shame. The devil desires to devalue humans. I say this because humans are created in the image of God. We are made to reflect and mirror the radiance of God. The devil hates that because he hates the radiance of God. Anything that reflects the glory of God must be smashed and broken. One of the most powerful tools he wields is shame. Shame is the emotional pain of guilt, inadequacy, or worthlessness. Shame does two things. Shame “corrupt[s] our relationship with God and each other” and it fractures our ability to create and cultivate as humans.

God created humans in his image so that they might flourish and display in his goodness in all creation. Listen to how Psalm 8 speaks about humans: “You have made humankind a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands.” But in our broken world, shame begins astonishingly early, and we experience the devil’s devaluing plan. Sermon for August 16, 2020.

For a manuscript and discussion guide go to revseanmcguire.com