Live as Created
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
When we live as we were created, then we live life to the full. When we use something according to the instruction manual, it normally works the best and it’s same with people. Every human that ever lived was created in the image of God, but Satan influences us through the world not to live in the image of God. He tries to pull us away from God by causing us to deviate from the image of God. Complacency and self-justification are two of Satan’s main tools to pull us away from God.
Created in the image of God means we are created with freewill; to have a mind of love and hope, to worship God, to serve God, to have Godly relationships, to have hearts for eternity, and to have the mind of Christ. 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) When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are predestined to conform the image of his Son.
Most people of the world think that serving the Lord will cause them to lose their freedom. Actually the opposite is true because as our mind renews our will becomes God’s will and Christ sets us free. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(Galatians 5:1) Christ sets us free and we are no longer slaves to the world, and a mind of love and hope takes away our fear. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. (1 John 4:18) Fear from Satan and love from God cannot coexist in our hearts because God’s love drives out Satan’s fear.
Living as we created requires we change from the way of the world to the ways of God This is accomplished by the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:15-17) The Spirit connects us to Christ and guides us through life changing us to the mind of Christ.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) The Spirit fills our hearts with love as we live to minister to others and it’s God’s love in our hearts that frees us. Our life is now centered on God and others and not centered on self. We depend on God to guide us in taking care of self and family. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) The more we serve the Lord, the more we can depend on the Lord to provide our needs.
Today, live as we were created to live, serving the Lord and putting him first by doing everything as doing it for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (Colossians 3:23) This will show you are living for Christ and being a witness for Christ.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live in your image with a mind of love and hope that reflects your love to others. Guide me in the Spirit to tell others the good news of salvation through Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen