Genesis 1:27a
Stop.
Take a deep breath. Place your hand on your heart and feel its beat. Know that God made you exactly as you are, holy and wonderful. Take some time to rest in this promise.
Listen.
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them – Genesis 1:27a
Reflect.
In worship on Sunday, we heard from the creation story in Genesis. We remembered then that there are three promises in that story that we can always trust, especially in times of new and uncertain things. We’re talking about those promises this week. On Tuesday, we talked about God’s promise to always provide.
Today, we’re talking about the promise that we’re made in God’s own image. Admittedly, this can be a tricky one. It frequently gets used and abused. After all, if you’re like God, you can just do anything you like, right? Whatever you think is right must be right because you’re like God. It becomes an excuse for pride and manipulation.
But for many of us, we have the opposite problem. We’re too ready to think of ourselves as unworthy, unlovable, or undeserving. If that sounds like you, please hear this word as a true promise: God not only made you exactly as you are in love and joy, but your whole self bears the imprint of God.
Not only that, but it pushes us beyond ourselves. All of humanity, every person, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, background, sexuality, profession, or favorite kind of cookie bears the image of God. There is something about the full spectrum of the entire diverse expression of humanity that points us to who God is. When we look into the face of another person, we see something true about God. The care we show each other reflects our love for God.
May this realization not only affirm your worth, but the worth of all people, moving you towards joy in who you are, right alongside your joy for who God made your neighbor to be.
Pray.
God, what a holy celebration that I am made in your image! I praise you that you have chosen me to be like you. I am overwhelmed by the realization that all people have received that same blessing. Show me how to keep sharing that truth with everyone. Amen.
Carry On.
Get a dry erase marker and write on your bathroom mirror: created in God’s image. Take a moment every time you see it to remind yourself that it’s true for you and for everyone you’ll meet today.