“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over the each, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.”
I share this with you from the creation story found in Genesis 1-3. This part of the story should more than anything, confirm your identity in Christ and replenish your self-worth. To be made in God’s image is the highest compliment you can ever be paid. God is holy, perfect, beautiful, and just. We are sinful, guilty, crooked, and sad. To think that the creator of the universe loved us enough to create us in his image is mind blowing!
God obviously thinks of you as someone very special, someone who was placed here to do his work while he momentarily remains in heaven. Did you hear that sister?! GOD, who created the world—created YOU to be like HIM and do HIS work! That’s beautiful. Our father thinks so highly of us that he trusts us with the rest of all creation, and the work that needs to be done!
I don’t know if you’ve ever applied for a job—but they don’t just hire anybody. Only those who seem worthy of the job, honest, and dependable will get to do the work. The same way with God! He didn’t make EVERYTHING in his likeness; neither did he give authority to everything to do his work. He didn’t say, “I have made the birds to love people like I do.” NO, that’s what he made us for!
Another illustration—think back to a time when you created something; whether it be a painting, a dessert dish, a collage, a piece of jewelry—anything! Think about how much time and effort you spent working on it…chances are you carefully planned it out, each brush stroke or turn of the spatula was done with passion and excitement. You worked really hard on what you made. Then think about afterwards—did you step back and look and ask your special friend to come look at what you had made? Did you serve your family in hopes that they would delight themselves in the deliciousness you created? Chances are you did! Even if you didn’t ask them straightforward, you still deep down sought their appreciation for your masterpiece.
How much more then does God want to show us off and use us for his glory!? He spent 24 hours creating our species, who knows how long planning out you and your life, 9 months preparing your form, and a lifetime for you to complete his good works! And afterward he will lead you into glory where you will shine with him for all eternity! (Ephesians 2:10, Psalms 73:23-24)
Beautiful child, the Lord has designed you so intricately. Ever design, ever pattern, every curve, nitch, spot, wrinkle…every part of you was sculpted to perfection in the eyes of the creator. He loves you dearly and he has created you for a wonderful purpose that only you can fulfill on this earth. Don’t let the enemy or the voices of the world steel this truth from you. Be joyful and praise your creator for giving you this opportunity called life.
“Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not based on
possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God’s image. Because we bear God’s image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticizing or downgrading ourselves is criticizing what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.”
--Life Application Study Bible (NIV) p.6
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