Genesis 1:26–27
“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’ So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This word “image” used in Genesis 1 can also be the word “likeness.” And God is saying, “I made you who you are,” not anyone or anything else.
Your clothes do not define you.
Your emotions do not define you.
Your depression does not define you.
Your anxiety does not define you.
Your friends do not define you.
You do not get to define you.
Anytime we try to define ourselves, we sell ourselves short of who we were created to be and who we were created by. If we try to define ourselves in our own image, it sells God short of His power and perfection to create.
Being made in the image of God isn’t just to be made in His likeness, but to take it even further, it means we are made to reflect God. People say that humans are just a reflection of culture, but we are to be a reflection of God, Himself.
1. Designed by God
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
2. To Glorify God
I would say that whatever we enjoy is what we worship. And whatever we crave is where we find satisfaction. But cravings don’t just come naturally. Cravings are created. Have you created a craving that desires more of Jesus?
3. By Enjoying God
We enjoy life by the things we value. Your actions reveal what you value. You can say you value one thing, but maybe your actions speak differently? If we truly enjoy God and the things of God, then our lives should be a reflection of that. In fact, Jesus’ actions on earth reveal that He values you!
