What is the Image of God
We often hear that we’re made in the image of God, but do we really understand what that means? If we are all created in God’s image, why is everyone so different?
So for today's Blog Thursday post let’s explore what it truly means to be made in His likeness—and how that truth impacts how we live, worship, and walk in purpose as we access the image we were given by God. - Genesis 1:26–27 (ESV) “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness…’”
I. What Is the Image of God? (Imago Dei)
Many Christians accept that it refers to the idea that humans were made to 'resemble' God. This does not mean that humans are like God in appearance, but that they have been given the same mental, moral and social qualities of God - John 4:24 – “God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” God doesn’t have a physical body. Even Jesus existed as the Word before taking on flesh (John 1:14). The concept of "image of God" emphasizes humanity's capacity for relationship with God, each other, and the world around them. We have a soul with the capacity for moral awareness (knowing right from wrong), worship and communion with God, and a conscience that reflects his holiness as this all aligns with the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Accessing the image of God also involves having relational nature. Being relational means prioritizing and nurturing connections with others, focusing on mutual respect, trust, and empathyGod is a relational Father, Son, Holy Spirit which means we are made for relationship, love, and fellowship - Colossians 1:26–27 – God reveals mysteries to those created in His image.
Moral Responsibility The "image of God" encompasses human capacity for reason, creativity, self-awareness, and a capacity for moral and spiritual growth. We are capable of justice, mercy, and purpose which all mirrors the character of God the Father. Genesis 1:28 – God gave us dominion.This verse implies a responsibility to care for and manage creation, rather than exploit it, and it reflects God's intention for humanity to expand and steward the earth. This also implies having authority and stewardship in the image of God.
II. The Input and the Output
The output comes from God—but the input begins with me. To fully live in the image we were created to reflect, we must take responsibility for what we sow—through faith, discipline, and devotion—trusting that God will produce the outcome in His power and timing.
Here are a few things we must learn to do to fully live in the image we were given:
1. Kneel Before God So You Can Stand Before Men To fully live in the image that we were given we must learn to kneel before God so that we can stand before men. Kneeling represents surrender. Kneeling is a demonstration of our worship through our struggles and is a display of our submission to God in humility. Acts 4:13 reads, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” - Peter and John were bold before men because they had been with Jesus and prayed before God in humility. They stood confident before men because prayer cultivates boldness while also giving them a direct way to connect with God, express their faith, and seek guidance and comfort. When you kneel before God, He lifts you to stand before anyone. Reflection: What’s your prayer life producing in your confidence and calling?
2. The Course You’re On Is Preparing You for Where You’re Going David’s journey to kingship began in an unseen role—as a shepherd. His input was worship and obedience to God, seeking after God’s heart. Though he was hidden from the public eye, this season was crucial preparation for his future. In return, he faced battles that trained him—first with the lion and the bear, which equipped him to have the courage and skills to face Goliath. David needed to face these challenges so that they could shape him into the warrior and leader he was called to be. Now take some time to think and ask yourself: “What is my input? What is God asking me to sow”. Beyond the money aspect, we are called to sow our time, relationships, talents, health, energy and creativity. So it is important to ask God what He wants us to sow. The principle is simple but powerful: when our input is greater than our output, we’ll consistently see God’s hand at work.
3. Until God Opens the Next Door, Praise Him in the Hallway In the waiting we must not press pause on our praise. There’s always something to be grateful for. Even if our flesh wants to complain about not knowing why we haven’t received our blessing yet, we must not give in. Complaining is to the devil what praise is to God. We must keep our faith strong and stay obedient to God and His word no matter what. Surrendering all of our battles into the hands of God brings us so much relief and if you leave it in God’s hands, suddenly you’ll see His hands in everything.
Closing Challenge
As we come to the end of this topic, I want to let you know that you were created in the image of God. You carry His nature, His purpose, and His potential. So today I ask you 2 questions:
1) Are you accessing the image you were given?
2) Are you sowing the right inputs into your life, faith, and calling?
Prayer
“Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me to walk in worship, obedience, and boldness. Let my input honor You, and may I always see Your output in every part of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.