Humans are unlike any other creature upon the earth, because we are made in the likeness of our Creator.
What does that mean? Check out these six ways we can reflect God, all coming out of the first chapters in Genesis.
1. We Rule
God, the King of Kings, has established everything and ministers over the Universe. In His supreme plan He set mankind over the rest of His creation. The earth was given to us to rule and steward well.
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.” Genesis 1:26
We sail across seas, plow the fields of cotton, sew the skirt for the runway, and sprint across the finish line. All by His power, all because of His mercy, and all for His delight.
Let us not take this beautiful dominion for granted, and wisely take part in His Kingdom work until He restores it to fullness in the eternity. Let us be faithful with our hands, satisfied with our responsibilities, no matter where we are.
2. We Relate
The Lord, He is One—Father, Spirit, Son. Together in glory, intricately independent. The bond so close between the three, a wondrous relationship of leadership, submission, and unity. This God, the threefold majesty, is relational. He made man and woman in His triune likeness, inventing human relationships.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
We were created to be in community. Our vibrant cultures of love and connection mirror His relatable nature. Furthermore, He extends His friendship to those who fear His Name, who see the cross, empty tomb, and are humbled.
May we seek to bring His Gospel to everyone, to those made in His image. May sin not dominate our social connections, but let us display His forgiveness, kindness, truth and lead many to salvation!
3. We Reproduce
Oh the cry of new life! The Lord knits souls in the womb, and then we have the blessing of bearing and raising them in His ways.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28
We are the Lord’s children, and He enables us to build generations. He provides all that we need, like for the sparrow that sings, and we then nurture whomever He brings.
This new life goes beyond our children, and to the neighbor next door, another player on the soccer team, or a coworker in need. We can make disciples. May we continue to be useful vessels, to partner with Him as He brings new spiritual life.
4. We Reflect
God established the earth and He reflected upon all He had done. He declared it good, with one exception – Adam was alone, and it was time for Eve to be.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18
In the same way, we can pause and ponder over His mighty works. The greatest works of mankind include musings about God – whether through music, literature, or art.
Do you admire the beauty of His sovereignty? The Spirit’s leading in your life? What progress has already occurred, and what His Word says is yet to come?
Consider what is indeed good, and what of God’s design may be lacking in your life. Pray for ways to grow in Your love for Him, calling upon His sufficiency.
5. We Rejoice
God the Father praised His Son Jesus (Matthew 3:17), and Adam celebrated the arrival of Eve.
Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Genesis 2:23
Praise and jubilee are abundant in God’s presence, because of His perfect holiness. He gives us grace in every smile, in every laugh, in every leaping heart. Let us abound in thanksgiving to this joyful God, let us adore His character and reflect His glorious ways!
6. We Rest
God rested at the conclusion of His creation. He founded the Sabbath, a day committed to fellowship with Him. He also designated sleep.
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:2-3
In Him we find our energy, our purpose, our passion, and in Him we must be healed of our iniquity, embrace His perfect comfort, and acknowledge our dependency. Take the time to be still, in prayer and petition, in weeping and singing, in weariness and gratefulness, at His feet. Rest is found only in Him.
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