Created in the Image of God
God created man in His own image, in the Image of God created He him; male and female created He them. [Genesis 1:27]
Reflection: I just finished the book, Learning to Speak God from Scratch. In one of the chapters it referred to a favorite quote of mine from the renowned 20th century theologian A.W. Tozer. “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What comes to mind for you?
Over the past year I’ve been contemplating the idea that what it really means to be created in the Image of God has a lot to do about the way in which we imagine God and orient our lives to Him. So as I was reading this book, I found it very confirming because of a few studies that were mentioned that show how the way we think about God forms what we become like. If your image is that of an angry and wrathful God, even if you are an Atheist who denies a Creator, your image of that kind of God is what you become like. Since becoming unabashedly Christian, I’ve had my run in with several very angry and wrathful Atheists. It shouldn’t surprise me since there was a time that I was a bitter and angry person who wasn’t sure about who God is and thought about Him in really twisted ways. As I read the Bible, the following passages gave me a better Image of who He is and what He is like, and you know what, as I started to believe these things about God, I became and continue to be formed in that Image.
*1 John 4:7* Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
*1 Corinthians 13:4-7* Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
*Exodus 34:6* “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”
*Ephesians 4:32* Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Prayer: Loving God, each day create us in your true Image, the one we know through Jesus Christ. Help us, like a Father, be more like you. Help us be kind and tenderhearted. Forgiving. Filled with compassion and mercy. Let us never give up on the ones who need to know You. Let our faith be always hopeful with assurance that Your love will win them. Give us the power of your Spirit to endure every circumstance while showering the world with the love that only comes through knowing You.
One of my favorite songs about being created in the image of God.
Below are a few book recommendations for understanding God better.
Locally, I listen to BOTT Radio regularly. Their broadcast is full of help full sermons. Bible Broadcast Network is also on my regular playlist.
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