1996-12-05 - In His Image

According to Genesis 1:27, God created us in HIS image:

Gen 1:27 (NIV) So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

According to Harper's Bible Dictionary, (1985), "The plural pronouns of Genesis 1:27-28 indicate that male and female share equally in the image of God and connect this idea to the twofold commandment ('Be fruitful and multiply...and have dominion over'...) so that both in nature and in function human beings are understood to reflect their Creator."

How about us? When people look at us, do our natures seem like God's to them? How faithfully are we representing God to those around us? After we are saved, we should grow to better reflect God's image:

Col 3:9 (NIV) Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

How can we live this out in our everyday lives? I have a few suggestions:

First, think about the people you encounter during your days -- family, co-workers, employees, fellow students, many of whom are non-believers. Do your words, your attitudes, your reactions, reflect God's character? Would Jesus say what you say, do what you do?

In addition, remember that you yourself are created in His image. Therefore you are valuable, so live accordingly. Take care of yourself as someone who is valuable to God. Yes, we are to help others, but there has to be a balance here. After all, we all need to be ministered to sometimes. We need to be able to receive from others, as well as give to them, or we will deprive them of their opportunities to minister to us. : )

Also, remember that ALL people have been created in God's image, and He loves all people, including the unreasonable boss, the relative we dread seeing at Christmas, the irritating co-workers, the guy (or girl) who cuts us off in traffic.... Before we say something crabby to a sales clerk or waitress, perhaps we should think something like this: "Hmmm God loves this person. I should be patient and kind. Perhaps she is having a bad day," etc.

Dear Father, please help us to change our words, attitudes and behaviors to more faithfully represent You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Janice P. Moser
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
2015-12-01