In Genesis 1:27 we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (KJV)
What does it mean to be created in God’s image? Having a good understanding of this will help us to have a proper sense of self-esteem, as well as enable us to fulfill our divine purpose as God intended. Here are four basic truths to ponder.
- Our physical characteristics are designed by God.
In Psalm 139 it is clear that God carefully works on our individual members and gives us His special touch. It seems like God uses the contributing features from parents and does His special arrangement to bring out each human with unique features. No two finger prints are the same. With 7.8 billion people in the world, it would be a monumental task to try and draw the 1-inch square in such a way that no two are alike. If you think this would be easy, start drawing. - We are a living soul with an everlasting life.
God only gave humans the privilege of being everlasting. In Luke 16 Jesus said there is a great gulf fixed to keep the two eternities forever apart. That is why it is so important to make our calling an election sure. Don’t take any chances on where you will spend eternity. There are only two destinies of the soul. It is either eternal heaven or eternal hell. - We have superior intelligence.
All humans are born with the ability to reason. Animals live with guidance from instincts. We go to school to get our intellects sharpened. All other creatures are stuck with instincts which don’t improve. - We have a spiritual personality.
We are born with the ability to have a relationship with God. With this ability to reason and to have this relationship we can study and pray and worship. We can love God and know Him and the power of His resurrection.
It’s time we stop living like animals and become true “image bearers!”
Jim Myer – CBC Executive Board member