Acts 17:16-18:3
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11
2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18
Acts 17:26-28, “From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.”
A little girl was drawing with bold strokes when her teacher said, “Tell me about your picture.” The little girl responded, “I’m drawing a picture of God!” “But nobody knows exactly what God looks like,” exclaimed the teacher. “They will when I’m finished!” the little girl replied authoritatively.
We may not have laid eyes on God, but here is an enormous truth — to be human is to be God’s image. But what does this mean? As God’s imagers, we are put on this earth to function as His representatives, something unique to humankind and not shared by any other part of creation. Our purpose is to steward God’s good world as though He were physically present.
By placing our faith in Him as Lord, we are made right, with the ability to truly reflect who and what God is! Unfortunately, though, humans have made a mess of this tremendous responsibility. Our unbelief and sin have marred our unique status as God’s imagers and thus distorted our roles as His representatives on this earth. But Jesus, the ultimate image of God, is the answer to our dilemma.
So, next time you look in the mirror, take a moment to truly reflect on who’s staring back at you. Let it be a reminder that the image you see isn’t merely you — it’s a reflection of God. Allow Him to shine through you as you move about the rest of creation in everything you do and say. It’s a big responsibility, but don’t worry. If God made you in His own image, then you’re definitely up for the task!
Dear God, Help me to fully recognize what it means to be Your imager. May my public lifestyle, as well as my private personal life, be a reflection of You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.