February 12, 2021January 5, 2024

It changes our perspective, attitude, thoughts and actions toward one another

by in From The Desk of Pastor Gene
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It changes our perspective, attitude, thoughts and actions toward one another
 
What changes our perspective, attitude, thoughts and actions toward one another? The fact that we are created in the image of God. GEN 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
 
The image of God refers to God’s likeness designed in us. We know we are not God but the exact nature and extent of our God-likeness cannot be fully determined. It is somewhat mysterious. However, with that said, it can be observed in life and confirmed in scripture that humans are distinct from animals mentally, morally, and socially. Mentally, we were created with the freedom and ability to reason and choose (1 Thes 5:21). Morally, we were created to reflect God’s holiness (1 Peter 1:16). Socially, we were created for fellowship with God and other people (1 John 1:3). But with all of that considered, being made in the image of God ultimately means we bear the righteousness, holiness and love of God (Eph 4:24; 1 John 4:8).
 
We all, regardless of nationality, color and gender, have God’s image stamped in us although marred by sin. It all started in the beginning when Adam and Eve rebelled against God. In so doing, they marred the image of God within themselves, and passed that damaged likeness on to all of humanity (Romans 5:12). In fact, the effects of sin impact all of us mentally, morally, socially as well as physically. Even more, sin distorts God’s righteousness, holiness and love that we were created to display. The bad news is, outside of a personal relationship with Jesus the Christ through faith, the marring of sin is progressive and unrepairable. The good news is, once saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9), God gradually restores the original image of God in us. EPH 4:20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
 
The fact God implanted His image in us changes our perspective, attitude, thoughts and actions toward one another. At least it should. Why? God is Creator and Lord. On the basis of His authority alone, we are designed to conform to Him, what He intends and desires. Seeing each other as God’s creation with the stamp of His image makes our diverse attributes of size, shape, color, personality and skill appear even more spectacular, brilliant and radiant as these attributes join, shade, highlight and blend together on earth’s canvas. When each hue stands alone on the paint palette they have an appeal of their own. However, as the Word (John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-16) uses them together, the complementary beauty of a unified creation leaves one awestruck. That’s not all. Knowing God has stamped His image in every human being regardless of nationality, heritage or culture, should also spawn respect toward one another like offered kings, prime ministers and presidents (James 1:2-4). If not, we are out of step with God and His creation. In case you missed it. We are, all of us, God’s creation.
 
Once more, it changes the value we place on life and the reproductive process designed by God Himself. It brings our dignity for life and sanctity of life into focus based on how God designed and loves His creation. PS 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
 
Yes. That’s right. The fact that we are created in the image of God changes our perspective, attitude, thoughts and actions toward one another. It changes the way we see each other, treat each other and the value we place on life. Allow me to leave you with a challenge. Take a few minutes in worship and read the lyrics to the song “Made in the Image of God” by We are Messengers. Once you’ve read the lyrics, watch the music video at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yV0pu60Uqs
 
A Work in Progress,

Pastor Gene