“The image of God is sometimes difficult to discern. But do not think for a moment that God has rescinded his promise or altered his plan. He still creates people in his image to bear his likeness and reflect his glory.”- Max Lucado
“We . . . are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit.”- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
In Chapter 2 (“Stamped with God’s Image”) of Unshakable Hope, Max Lucado states we sometime struggle with this question: Am I somebody important? It’s easy to believe just the opposite, as Max describes:
“It’s easy to feel anything but important when the corporation sees you as a number, the boyfriend treats you like cattle, your ex takes your energy, or old age takes your dignity. Somebody important? Hardly.”
Therefore, Pastor Lucado exhorts, when you struggle with the question of importance, remember the promise embedded in the words of Genesis 1:26. God’s most wonderful of promises is this. God made us to reflect the image of God.
Yet, even though we take after God in many ways, some suppress this promise. And others enhance it. But, regardless, there’s no exception to His promise. Even though sin has distorted this image in us. However, as we fellowship with God and read His Word, God scrubs the image off our old coin. He rubs away anything in us that is not of Him.
In conclusion, Max asks two questions based on the truth that you’re God’s child, created in His image.
- Would you let this truth find its way into your heart? Before your parents conceived you, God conceived you. And God loved you in heaven before your parents loved you on earth.
- Would you let this truth define the way you see other people? God created every person you see to bear His image. Thus, each person deserves treatment with dignity and respect. Hence, all people deserve to be seen as image bearers of God.
Today’s question: Do you find it hard to discern that you’re made in the image of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The devil – a real and present faith foe”
