Made in God's Image
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them,
“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature
that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1v1, 26-28 (NIV)
It's one of the biggest questions we can ask today: 'Who am I?' The recent pandemic has only brought it into sharper focus. As we adjust to our new roles, from; going to work to staying at home; employed to unemployed; parent to full time all-in-one teacher, gym instructor and art therapist - we are having to figure out 'who I am.' Traditionally your Family, Community or Job defined you. Now it’s very different. Now the underlying mantra is: ‘Be yourself’ ‘Stay true to yourself’ Don’t let anyone tell you who you are: Not your family, Not your friends, Not your community. You decide who you are. It’s very empowering.
You see this is really important because our identity, ‘Who I am’ gives me a sense of value and worth. Without an identity I am nothing, a nobody. Well the first words of the Bible tell us that we have been 'created in the image of God', and that we are greatly valued and treasured.
First, I am created by God. It's a very controversial statement to make. But what are the alternatives? To quote one philosopher we are the, 'outcome of accidental collations of atoms destined to extinction.' In other words, we are nothing more than accidents living on a planet called earth that all came about by blind chance! However, God says I'm not an accident. I have been purposefully and wonderfully created: 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth' and 'God created mankind'. I'm much more than a random collection of atoms, my existence has been planned and purposed by a loving and good God. I am uniquely designed and precious to God.
Second, I am created in God's image. If God has created me, then my true identity is who God says I am: 'God created mankind in his own image.' Culture does not define you, you do not even define you!
God says 'who I am', that I am made in his image. Being God's 'image bearers' means at least three things; (i) I am created to know God. The God who created the universe, created me and speaks to me so that I can relate to him. I can know God in a personal way. (ii) I am created to Reflect God. God who made our world and the galaxies beyond has given us the ability to be creative. From drawing a picture to designing a house, we reflect God's creativity. (iii) I am created to Enjoy God. God has given us a good world and a way to live in this world which brings God pleasure and us great joy.
Reflection
If I am created in God's image, then I am much more than 'blind chance'. I am created with purpose, by a loving God who knows all about my life from beginning to end. To truly discover who we are means we need to know the God who made us.
Prayer
Thank you God that you created the universe and you created me. Thank you that you provide all things and sustain all things. Thank you that you free me from defining who I am and that I can rest in your perfect design of me.