In His Image

 by Macy Johnson

“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.”

(Genesis 1:27 NIV)

 

My husband recognized Ronald Reagan’s voice in a World War II documentary. I wondered how Jeff could identify our fortieth President’s verbal commentary above the sounds of war. How are we able to distinguish voices, those of family and friends, even over the phone or broadcast on TV?

 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

(John 10:27 NIV)

 

Jesus said His sheep recognize His voice. Did He mean the voice of His Spirit living in us, speaking directly to us, or in His children around us, or both?

 

Elizabeth Garn suggests, “Images are reflections, and that’s what we were crafted to be – reflections of God here on earth. We were created to be signposts pointing others to Him, mirrors displaying His character to the world. When people see us, they see aspects of God. How amazing! Your purpose, then, isn’t something you earn or work for; it’s something you already are.”

 

In a contemporary adaptation of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge is strongly urged to gaze into the mirror. He didn’t like what he saw. As God’s image bearers we should see Him when we look in the mirror. My grandchildren look and act like their parents. I probably look and act like my parents did. But more importantly, we all look like Jesus, bearing His image to the world.

 

“Just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.”

(1 Corinthians 15:49 NIV)

 

What reflects God’s image more clearly than the perfect, unconditional love of our Creator?

 

I will strive to reflect Christ’s image through love today. I hope you will, too!