Image Bearer

Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

In Ann Spangler’s book, “Praying the Names of God,” she explains the Hebrew meanings of the many names for God in scripture.  In Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created…” the Hebrew word is Elohim (e-lo-heem), meaning God of gods, the highest of all, the majesty of the one true God.  As I read the creation account with this description of our Creator in mind, and as I ponder the amazing details of separating the sky from the earth, the land from the waters, and filling the seas with beautiful creatures, I am in awe of His divine plan and purpose.  It took unearthly imagination and power to make a world where God's children could thrive, survive and enjoy Him, along with His beautiful creation.

When Genesis 1:27 states that God created us in His own image, it does not refer to His physical image, because God is Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17).  Instead, being created in God’s own image means we were given the qualities God possessed, such as intelligence, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, love, humility, joy, beauty, creativity, courage, and more.

We sometimes see these beautiful qualities in ourselves; but for many of us, they are hidden beneath a selfish facade.  We struggle with the flaws of humanity as a result of sin, the fall from grace.  We can be hard-hearted, lack joy, and refuse to forgive, hate, dwell in anger, deny our creativity, envy, live in fear, and focus on our own needs and wants.

A question Ms. Spangler asks in her book is this:  “How would your life change if you lived with the constant awareness that he (God) created you to bear his image?”

Think about it.  God created us in His image, to be to the world a mirror reflection of God.  To be “Jesus with skin on” to a confused, lost, and hopeless world that doesn’t know Him.

If I were to bear the reflection of God to others, would they only observe the sins that are often a showcase of the Christian’s life?

· 
·      Gossiping with malice about an acquaintance, family member, or coworker
·      Inappropriate reading, viewing, or writing (web, books, texts, emails, Tweets, etc.)
·      Lacking purity
·      Being unkind

·         `       Using coarse or foul language

Although these examples come short of the abundance of sinful characteristics we can display everyday, they gave me pause to ask, “Would God do that?” Would He yell at his children, talk badly about others, dwell his thoughts on provocative or dark materials?  Would he lack purity, cheat, or use foul language?  Of course not!

If we were to truly bear His image, the world would respond to us and to Him.  Bearing His image means when others see us, they see God with the qualities He exhibits.  We have an enemy, the devil; we wear weak flesh; we try and fail to resist the temptations of the world around us.  However, reflecting God’s glory is somewhat like an old couple who after many years together have started looking alike.  It is by the power of God’s Spirit and in relationship to Him, that our “looks” change.  As we allow the Spirit to control us for the sake of the Father, we will bear His reflection more and more everyday.

Read

Genesis 1:1-31

Reflect

·      How would your life change if you lived with the constant awareness that God created you to bear his image?  Be specific. 

·      Are you willing to risk those changes to bring glory to God?

Respond

Prayer:  Lord God, Elohim, majesty, God above all gods: In my heart, I so want to reflect you in my everyday activities and attitudes.  I can’t do it on my own, and I know you don’t expect me to. Remind me every day to spend time with you so that as I grow older, I can look more like you, reflecting your image, for your glory.