Sep 25, 2008

Random Question - What Does "In His Image" Look Like?

Random Question


It's Friday and here we are again with a new question to think about, discuss with God, and write out your thoughts on your blog. I want to thank you all for participating and I do hope you are enjoying our weekly topics. Ok, on to the question. Are you ready for a tough one?

What does "In His Image" actually look like? Consider how this may look different in some ways before the fall, after the fall, and after Christ.

Family photo


Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness ....."
So 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)

When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image ..... (Genesis 5:3)

In His Image. I love this phrase, and I have often wondered and prayed about it too. Looking at the two scriptures above they appear to carry the same idea. Whenever a baby is born friends and family often say "He looks just like his dad", or "She looks just like her mom." We search for identifying traits that mark a visible connection to the parent and even to other family members. So is it possible that we might actually bear a physical (I use that word very loosely here) resemblance to our Father? Maybe. We won't really know that until we step on the other side of eternity.


I have to believe that Adam & Eve in their perfect state were the closest human representation of His Image (apart from Christ) there was. After the fall His Image faded in us and continued to fade as time went on. Then when Christ came, He made it possible to sharpen His Image again when we choose to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Since He takes up residence in us and begins to change us back into a representation of His Image. Looking at this I think I have to say that "In His Image" has moved from a more physical representation (the perfect human) to a more spiritual representation (the character of Christ). In the same way we notice physical traits in a baby in the image of his/her parents, and later in life we often notice character traits of the parents. Those are just my thoughts.


So here are a few things that I have seen in people that I believe are In His Image.


  • Ability to think, talk and reason.
  • Strong arms combined with a gentle touch.
  • Sense of humor.
  • The way God wired a man to protect and provide. (I know not all men do this but I do believe that God wired men this way.)
  • A woman's desire to have a child.
  • Creativity. I believe all people have creativity in some form, but not all creativity is expressed in the same way.
  • An appreciation for beauty.
  • Imagination.
  • Ability to love.

Ok so this is a very, very small list but it should be enough to get you thinking. Now it's your turn. Write about what "In His Image" looks like on post it on your blog and include a link to this post. Then come back here and use Mr Linky below to link back to your post and leave me a comment.

Edie





4 comments:

Leaon Mary said...

I love your family picture? Who is everyone?

Great question Edie!
Have a great FRIDAY!!!
Love Lea

Sue J. said...

Seriously....this is the most challenging question you have brought up so far. Talk about a phrase you kick around and never really think about. Well, thanks for giving me the opportunity to think hard about it!

I hope you are feeling better! I've got the seasonal chest crud rattling around and the doctor-suggested med isn't really doing anything. I'm just as well without it. Hope whatever you have is clearing out; we need you back in good form!!

Sue J. said...

YES, had to come back and say that you have a beautiful family! Photos like that are not easy to come by.

Thanks again for your thoughts and your thoughtful presentations here!

Kelly said...

Edie - this was a tough one. I was going to post a picture of my kids and say I am able to understand God better throught them. As I love them even when they are terribly naughty, so God loves me when I am.

I just didn't get it done. But I am in for next week!