Made in His Image
“So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27, NLT
Many of us have complicated relationships with mirrors. In the morning, you study your reflection close-up in your bathroom mirror, analyzing every pore and pimple, scanning for imperfections you may be compelled to cover up or cure. And that same afternoon, you catch your reflection in a shiny store window, realizing you look content, maybe even happy, and that your outfit looks as stylish as you’d hoped. Hours later, after a whirlwind of meetings, meals, and general mayhem, you pass by the mirror hanging in your living room and are shocked at the tired gal with greasy hair who meets your eyes. And is that chocolate from dinner or BBQ sauce from lunch dried in the corner of your mouth?
Each day, we are drawn to our reflections to confirm or deny our uneasy fears about our appearance, our importance. And the worst part is, that we allow each of these moments to speak into who we think we are, to evaluate our worthiness based on small moment in times. But while our reflection does show us what we look like, it does not and cannot signify our worth. And that’s because our worth is rooted in Christ alone, in the fact that He created us in His very image. There is nothing we have to do to be made like Him. He calls us worthy, loved, and created for a purpose – just as we are right now.
Imago Dei is a Latin phrase meaning “image of God.” As described in the Scripture above, humanity is the imago Dei, created “in His own image.” You reflect God in your very being- His living, breathing handiwork. Imagine an artist who sets out to paint a series of portraits, each one unique and special. As the artist begins the process, they carefully and intentionally infuse elements of their own artistic essence into each portrait, ensuring that every detail reflects their vision and creativity. God, like the artist, has intricately crafted each individual with purpose and care. Just as an artist imparts their unique touch to every portrait, God has infused His divine qualities into each person, creating a diverse and beautiful array of individuals. That’s right, you were crafted by God as a reflection of Himself. Your imago Dei status cannot be removed, destroyed, or sullied…it’s who you are.
And there is freedom to be found in the knowledge that you are the image of God. Just as that artist bursts with pride over their finished portrait, imagine how much more God cares for you as one created to reflect His goodness and His love. If you’ve faced mental or physical illness, abuse, heartbreak, or another difficult situation, no matter how much you feel your life has been marred by trial, you still have the status of God’s image bearer. Nothing you can face or do will take away this fact or make you less worthy of God’s love and pride. You are created in His image, and that’s a fact. Song of Solomon 4:7 says: “You are absolutely beautiful, my darling; there is no imperfection in you” (CSB).
When you find yourself struggling with the truth that your body is good because it is created in the perfect image of God, may you hold on to God as a sustainer, a faithful presence that banishes shame, even body shame. No matter what scars, blemishes, bumps, and bruises your body holds…it is good. Ephesians 2:10 says that you are God’s masterpiece, and a masterpiece isn’t made by mistake. Take a moment today to reflect on the bumps, marks, and moles that make you, you. Even if you are met with initial feelings of shame, discomfort, or self-consciousness, know that God is with you in these feelings. He will walk alongside you as you learn what it truly means to be made in His image, reminding you over and over again that your body tells a story of redemption, of progress, and of goodness.
So as you pass store windows and buffed glass, look through rearview mirrors and stare back at yourself through dusty computer screens, take selfies and evaluate your outfit in the full-length mirror, may you be filled with the knowledge that what you see reflected there is good. God created you in His image, and He saw you and called His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31). You are made in His image, and you are His.
For further reflection:
- Rest in this truth: My body tells a unique story, and that is magnificent. With God’s help, I can find acceptance for my reflection and for myself.
- “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” -Psalms 139:4, NIV
- Affirmation for today: I reflect God in my very being- His living, breathing handiwork. The image of God is not something I have, it’s who I am.
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