Created in the Image of God
“So, God created human beings in his image. In the image of God, he created them. He created them male and female.” – Genesis 1:27
When our parents conceived us, God was already at work forming us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). The human body that God formed shows how wonderfully people were designed by Him (Psalm 139:14). For example, the human brain is so complex that it controls our body’s functions from our thoughts to the way we see things. It even tells us when we are hungry and regulates our blood flow. It does all the work to keep us alive. Even though our body is not like God’s since He is a spirit and does not have a body, He still created us in His image.
The image of God that people were created to reflect is His moral, spiritual, and intellectual character. Unfortunately, after the fall of Adam and Eve, all people became sinners who no longer could reflect His holy character (Romans 5:12, Ecclesiastes 7:20). Luckily for people, God gives them a new heart so they can reflect His character. Ezekiel 36:24-27 describes what God does for people to reflect His glory:
“I will take you from the nations and gather you out of all the lands and bring you back into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and your idols. Also, I will teach you to respect me completely, and I will put a new way of thinking inside you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and help you live by my rules and carefully obey my laws.”
Ultimately, it is God who does the work to change the image of sinful people. He allows them to reflect His holy traits because of His merciful character. God is the one who will receive all the glory, honor, and praise from people.
Prayer of the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for creating us in Your image. Since You have done this, please help us to reflect Your character. It can be done because of You. You replaced our hearts that have sinned and were evil with new hearts that desire to do good. Now, we can do what You ask in our lives. This will help others see You in us and want to serve and give You all the honor and glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
