"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Genesis 1:26-27

 April 8

Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:26-27 (NRSV)

While the Bible has sometimes been misused to mistakenly prove the superiority of one gender over another, today's scripture in Genesis removes all doubt of this false illusion. It is clear God's image is shared equally by women and men. God made both men and women in his image. Neither gender is made more in God's image than the other. From the beginning the Bible places both at the top of God's creation. Neither sex is exalted, and neither depreciated. In what ways then are we made in God's image? The Lord obviously didn't create us exactly like himself because God has no physical body. Instead, we are reflections of God's glory. Some feel our soul or spirit is made in God's image because it is eternal. Others feel it is the essence of our entire self that somehow reflects God's image.

We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme Creator. But we do have the ability to reflect God's character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, com-passion, service, and faithfulness. Knowing we are made in God's image and share many characteristics of our Lord provides a solid basis for self-worth. A healthy self-worth cannot be based on popularity, possessions, achievements, or beauty. Instead, it needs to be based on being formed in God's image. Because of this reality, you can feel positive about yourself. Downgrading ourselves is belittling what God has made and the abilities given us. Knowing that you are a person of divine worth can help you love yourself, others, and God even more.

Prayer: Lord God, Thank you for your divine image now living within me. May I reflect your love today. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: God doesn't make junk!

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)