Photo by Alem Sánchez
Yareni Beltran is the author of Christian faith books and is a strong proponent of the Biblical truth that humanity was meant to be made in His image–the image of God.
Yet what does that actually mean in practice?
To Be Made in His Image
The idea that God made humanity in His own divine image comes from Genesis 1:27:
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
This is a declaration that amongst God’s creation, humanity stands uniquely, reflecting God’s likeness. In essence, what this entails is that humanity has specific attributes that they have inherited from His divine nature. From God, we have the capacity for reason and intellect so as to better understand His creation, an intrinsic moral nature to discern the nature of the world and act accordingly, and a dynamic nature with existence so that we are able to do as is required and be instruments of His will; dominion over creation so as to be responsible stewards of reality; a spiritual connection to worship Him and be in a deeper relationship with Him; and the capacity for love, creativity, and self-awareness.
With all this in mind, what are we then entrusted to do, being made in His image?
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
What It Means to Be a Creation of God
Humans are creations of God, and because we were created to be made in His image, we have a profound responsibility on our shoulders. This is especially the case for Christians, who themselves have come to learn the Good News and are fully aware of humanity’s relationship with God.
As such, living out this image and becoming a more faithful reflection of God is a lifelong process. In our daily lives, we should be actively pursuing a closer relationship with God and allowing him to transform us from within.
Yet, aware though we may be, how can we be better reflections of God when we are so distant from His grace? Foundational in reflecting God’s image is embracing the character of Christ.
Jesus’s descent onto Earth was not only to preach the Word of God to humanity but to be a sacrifice to redeem the sins of the world. It was also to serve as a role model, an exemplar of humanity’s potential, and a benchmark with which to become a good person. Hence, we are called Christians because we are followers of Christ and strive to become like him, no matter how meager or slow.
Christ’s emphasis on love is a powerful reminder of God’s true nature. When we practice love, we are acting as God would want us to act. So, be compassionate and kind. Learn how to forgive, even and especially those who have wronged you. Jesus’s suffering on the cross was the greatest act of forgiveness and humility, and so, we Christians should follow his example. This does not mean nailing oneself to the cross, but to be, in one’s power, humble and forgiving.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
Another way of becoming good reflections of God’s grace is to serve others and be responsible stewards of creation. God gave us dominion over the Earth to benefit from its bounty and abundance and also to tend to it and maintain its beauty and lushness. Love everything within this Earth, for everything, and anything is a creation of the Lord. This means, most especially, loving one’s fellow man and seeing them as one’s neighbor, regardless of distance, skin color, and creed.
Sharing the Gospel, witnessing to our faith, and inviting others to experience God’s love is a fundamental calling for all Christians.
A Lifetime to Be Made in His Image
Becoming a better Christian and reflecting God’s divine image will always be an ongoing journey. There is no clear end in sight, but when it does arrive, the rewards will be indescribable.
On this lifelong journey, there will be times of struggle, doubt, and failure, but we can trust in God’s grace and love.
Yareni Beltran’s Building Bridges Made in His Image is a great starter to your journey towards understanding yourself better as God’s creation. It’s available for purchase on this website. Click this link here to get to the order page.
