Created in the Image of God
Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:26-27
We know we are created in the image of God, but do we stop and think about the deep meaning of being created in the image of God? For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29-30 NASB95) Since we are created in the image of God, we are all predestined to conform to the image of Christ. This is the Christian life: to become the person that God created us to be.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) Necessary in conforming to the image of Christ is to change our thinking because our minds rewire based on our thoughts. We stop thinking sinful worldly thoughts and replace them positive Godly thoughts. Then, over time, the old wiring in our brains is replaced with new Godly wiring. The mind is renewed with God as we pray, read the Word, and fellowship with other Christians.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23) We live out of our hearts, our thoughts come from our hearts, and God listens to our hearts. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) If we are to conform to the image of Christ, our thoughts must be pleasing to God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10) We are not saved by works, but we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works. The Lord looks at our hearts which reveals the motivation behind our works. If we conform to the image of Christ, we are motivated by a heart of love, and a heart filled with God’s unconditional love is the power that motivates us.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) With our hearts filled with God’s love, we are motivated to serve the Lord bringing people to Christ with a heart dependent on Christ; we are now living in the image of God. We are also getting closer to the Lord as we become more Christ-like. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Living life to the full only comes when we live as we created. This full life gets better as our loving relationship with Christ increases.
Today, remember you are created in the image of God, and you are being molded to conform to the image of Christ. Seek to live this day with a heart of love, peace, and joy. Reflect Christ to everyone today.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in the Spirit to live as you created me. Keep changing my heart to be more like Christ. In Jesus name, Amen