If there is one truth that is vital to how we relate to one another and God, it is found in the following verses.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27
To be created in the image of God is a privilege invested in us by God. Being made in the image of God cannot be identified by any one particular aspect of mankind. It is the combination of all that we are that makes us in the image of God.
Being in God?s image means we are like Him in several ways. The fall of mankind into sin has blurred many of these qualities, but as we receive our new life in Christ the power of the Holy Spirit works in us to bring these attributes to flourish again.
We are spiritual beings (Genesis 2:7). The life of God within us gives us life. As spiritual beings we have a body. We can walk upright. We have a mind and intellect that is comparable to no other animal. Adam named all the animals that God had created. That is an amazing feat and a testimony to the intellect God has given us.
Becoming a Christian should aid our intellectual power. Like Solomon we can ask God to grant us wisdom and understanding (James 1:5). Walking with God does not mean throwing away your mind. In fact the Bible asks us to renew our minds and start thinking the way God thinks (Romans 12:1-2).
Have you ever heard it said that you cannot understand God with your mind? Well, Jesus expected Nicodemus to understand the things of God with his mind (John 3:10). Our mind is part of what makes us in the image of God. We can read or hear God?s word and know about God. We can also prosper in our secular work and studies because of the wisdom God gives us.
Being made in the image of God also means we have emotions. Adam saw Eve and admired her (Genesis 2:23). Jesus saw sin in the temple and got annoyed with it (John 2:14-15). All these were emotions in action. There is nothing wrong with having emotions (John 11:35). It is when we let them get out of control that we enter into sin (Ephesians 4:26).
Like all of mankind, our emotions were tainted with sin. We need to bring them before the cross of Jesus and ask him for the grace to bring them under his will. Angry, for example, is an emotion that is good. For example, you can get so angry we the injustice and havoc you observe in your life or the life of people around you that you are driven with a passion to seek God?s face and take practical steps about it. Like Jesus there are some thing we should get angry about and do something positive about.
Being made in God?s image also means we can relate to God, fellow human beings, and the world God has placed us in. Again our abilities in relating to all theses things can increase as we seek God?s face.
As we are made in God?s image it means we have a will and can discern the difference between right and wrong. We are responsible for the actions we take.
Being made in God?s image has privileges and responsibilities. Sin in our life also means that we need to seek the grace and face of God in order to excel in our potential in Christ.
How are you growing and developing spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and relationally. To be a truly mature person you need to grow in all areas.