Made in the image of God is a phrase you've probably heard at some point in life and if not, you have now. This comes from the first chapter in the Bible, Genesis, when God begins creation.
"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:26-27 NIV
Here, man and woman are created in the likeness of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as known as the Holy Trinity or God (yes, all are God). Some think this likeness includes our reason, moral capacity, determination, speech, free will, ability to create spiritual relationships and much more. It's important to note that we'll never be like God in totality. He is the creator and we, his creation but we were made to reflect God's character.
But we shouldn't stop there. Being made in the image of God gives you the ability to go further and live in his image.
How do I live in his image? What does that even mean?
Living in his image requires surrendering your life daily to allow transformation, similar to how it's phrased living for Christ. It's a lifelong process and commitment to live in his image because since we are still human, we will fall short; but we choose not to stay in that position. Everyday is a new day to reflect God with our love, patience, forgiveness, faithfulness, kindness and respect to further God's kingdom.
Paul illustrates living a Christian life to running a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 with the prize being salvation. It requires hard work, self-discipline, perseverance and preparation. Do not live your life without purpose; diligently serve God and create/maintain your relationship with Him.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in a such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slaves so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
You can start with little tasks such as praying throughout your day and not just before bed, listening to Christian music, reading to really understand God's word instead of a random verse or two to keep a streak on an app or just to say you read the Bible that day. Transforming will require intentionally saying "no" to things you previously enjoyed like drunkenness, sexual temptation, cursing, or even gossip. It will not be easy but definitely worth it.
Now that you know you were made to reflect God's image and what it means to live in it/how, is your life a good representation of that?
In Matthew 25:1-30, Jesus explains different parables about how we must be always ready for Christ's return and how we must put in effort towards God's kingdom. He further explains in verses 31-46, how the righteous and unrighteous will be separated given how we were living our lives for the final judgment. It's not too late to start living in his image and advocate for others to do the same. It's time we start practicing what we preach.
Today, I encourage you to take that extra step and start transforming your life to better reflect the one who created you and all that is around you. Completely surrender yourself daily and let God be God in your life.
Here, we're not just made in his image. We live in it!