What Does Being Made in the Image of God Mean for Us?

The words of the Lord in Genesis 1:26-27 boldly declare that we are made in the image of God.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 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 ‭ESV‬‬

How is being made in the image of God significant to us?

Great question.

Let’s unpack it and unwrap what it means to be created in the image of our Creator.

1. Dignity and Worth: Being made in the image of God tells us that every human being has inherent worth and dignity. After all, we are a reflection of God Himself. This understanding should lead us to respect and honor one another as bearers of the divine image.
2. Relationship: Just as the Trinity exists in eternal relationship (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), being made in God’s image we are created to live in relationship with God and one another.
3. Moral and Spiritual Capacity: Unlike other creatures and the rest of creation, we have the capacity for moral discernment and spiritual connection. We are able to know and distinguish right from wrong. Through faith, prayer, and worship, God invites us into a growing spiritual relationship with Himself.
4. Creativity and Dominion: As God’s ambassadors on Planet Earth, we are responsible for stewarding His creation. This includes cultivating the earth, caring for animals, and using our creative abilities to honor God and to serve one another.

In embracing our identity as bearers of God’s image, we find our true purpose and calling—to live in loving relationship with our Creator, with each other, and to steward the world He has entrusted to us with care and wisdom.

Though sin has marred the image of God in us, through Jesus Christ, we have the hope of restoration and transformation. In Christ, we are being renewed day by day to more fully reflect the image of God.

Isn’t that wonderful news?

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I pray it is well with your soul, my friend. May the Lord continue to bless you and those you hold dear.

Remember: Tell somebody about Jesus today!

Thankfully,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™