How Can We See Ourselves According to God's Image?

Before I knew God, I was unable to see God's image. I felt less handsome than my friends and less intelligent than some people I knew. On top of that, I was often mocked and considered strange because I am left-handed. My simple family background also made me feel worthless.

As human beings, it is natural for us to feel that there are certain things in us that are not as good as in others. However, when this comparison becomes excessive, we will be trapped in inferiority. Besides making us suffer, this is not something God desires.

If so, what kind of image has God designed for us?

God's image is more important than the image we design

After studying the Bible, I realized that I, and every human being, am so precious. We are created according to God's image, and we are precious in His sight. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross to redeem our sins is the proof. In addition, physically and in character, no two people are exactly the same. Even identical twins have differences.

Realizing these two things, I then tried to focus on what God cares about. On the image God designed for me, not the image I thought was good.

How to See Ourselves According to God's Image

Here are three things we need to remember so that we do not force our ideal image on ourselves or on others.

1. God has planned our future since we were in the womb

I give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My bones were not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and woven together in the depths of the earth; Your eyes saw me when I was still unformed, and in Your book were written all the days that were formed for me, before any of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:14-16

When we were still fetuses and had not yet taken human form, God already loved us. Through our father, mother, and the people closest to us, we were loved, cared for, protected, and raised. Perhaps the people around us only began to love us when we could already do many things,  but God loved us when we could do nothing at all.

By remembering this, surely we can better accept and love ourselves as we are, because it is God Himself who designed our lives and our future.

2. God is love

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn, supreme over all creation ... – Colossians 1:15

There was a thin little boy walking while carrying his disabled younger sibling on his back. Seeing this, someone commented with concern, "Poor you, son. Your burden must be heavy!" But the boy replied, "He is not a burden. He is my brother!"

That is the illustration in the lyrics of the song He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother composed by Bobby Scott and Bob Russel.  Often we are amazed by those who, in terms of resources, seem unable to bear their burden, yet are able to do it because they have love. And love is the greatest power in the world.

Everything, even what is light, will feel heavy if it is done reluctantly or without willingness. Yet everything, even what is very heavy, will feel light and enjoyable if it is done with love.

Because of love, my father was willing to work hard as a construction laborer so that his children could attend college and have a bright future. Because of love as well, God was willing for His Son to be crucified to redeem our sins.

Jesus is the image of God. By learning everything about Jesus, we can understand who God is. God is love. Because we are created according to God's image, then we must live in love.

People who do not love us because we are not their family or friends will certainly see that effort as a burden. However, for people who love us, it is not a burden, but a responsibility. As Christians, we have a responsibility of love. Those who do not yet know God will be able to see God's image, or who God is, through us.

Have other people seen God's image through our love for others? If not, reflect on what is preventing us from loving certain people. Pray that our hearts will be softened so that one day we can love them again.

3. We are changed to become like His image

“And we all reflect the Lord's glory with unveiled faces. And because this glory comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit, we are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

Many people ask God to change them, but with the standard of the image they have made for themselves. For example, asking to be given wealth, a beautiful or handsome spouse, high rank, a luxurious house, and so on.

It is easy for God to change the conditions outside of us. However, He prefers to change the inner side of human beings because He wants us to become like God's image, not the image of the world.

True and lasting change begins from the inside out. When our hearts are changed, our mindset changes too. Because our mindset changes, our actions also change. Because our actions change, the results we obtain are also different, and in the long term, the impact will affect our future.

If through many events God changes our hearts and minds, rejoice in it. For example, from being stingy, we become generous. give thanks because we are being shaped into a better character. As we experience spiritual change, our external situation can also change.

Let us be grateful for God's image within us, and also for the process God is working in our lives. Love others, including those who hate us. give thanks for every positive change, no matter how small, that makes us more like God's image. Amen.

* Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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