Several times throughout scripture we see where the Bible proclaims that we are “created in the image of Jesus Christ.”
“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 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
Sunday morning I met with our youth and discussed the meaning of “His Image.”
What comes to your mind when you think of the image of Christ? A man on a cross? A newborn baby in a manger? Maybe even a man in a white robe and sandals?
The truth is, when the Bible talks about us being created in the “image” of Christ its not talk about our physical characteristics.
When I had my 3D/4D ultrasound with my first son, it was obvious that he was going to have the “Rampey nose.” If you look at any of my nieces or my two boys or husband you’ll notice that they have a cute little button nose. Nothing crazy about it – it’s just a physical trait that they all have.
Carson, my 4 year old laughs all the time, and when he does his dimples shine for everyone to see! Blonde hair, blue eyes, and dimples….ladies…watch out! Asher has dimples too but not as defined as Carson’s are. They get them from me. Mine aren’t adorable and cute and precious as Carson and Baby Asher’s are…but they get them from me.
These are physical traits that my children obtained from their genes (parents/family line). What physical traits did you get from your family members? Anything cool? Do you look more like your mom or dad?
Think about it for a minute and then let’s take it deeper. My dad and I are more alike when it comes to our mindset. We are deep thinkers, emotional at times, a little bit of risk takers, adventurers, travelers, sometimes temperamental and impatient (refer to my teen years – prayer can change anyone), hard workers, and overall similar in a lot of ways. A lot of times my dad can look at me and know what I’m thinking because more than likely…he’s thinking it too.
This is kind of “image” the Bible is talking about. When God says we are created in His Image He wants you to know that He created you to be like His Son…have His mindset, set out to reach the same goals, and try to achieve a lifestyle that would be pleasing and similar to His. God didn’t create us as “clones” to Jesus Christ…we all know we are far from that. He created us to be followers of Christ, created in the image of His Son so that we can continue in His footsteps, share the Gospel with a dying world, and make a difference that only He can make.
Is your “image” closer to the image of Christ or the image of this world?
Do you desire to grow closer to Christ by being more like Him or would you rather find your way on your own and achieve your goals in life?
Every day you live you are either moving closer to God or further away from Him…
Which way are you moving?
My challenge for your today is that you’ll take a dry erase marker (with your parents permission)and write on your mirror “LORD, HELP ME LOOK MORE LIKE YOU.”
Every morning when you wake up and get ready for the day, pray that the Lord will help you look more like Him.
May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!