GOD'S LIVING STATUE

What does it mean to be an image bearer of God? The phrase “image of God” (or, in Latin, imago Dei) is in the very first book of the Bible. In Genesis 1:26, after creating the whole world from nothing, God turns his attention to something extraordinary: “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us,” he declares (NLT).

When we come across the word image in Genesis 1:26—translated from the Hebrew word tselem, which also means “idol” or “statue”—we get a glimpse of what God is up to in creating human beings.

What we discover is this astounding piece of information: God, who stands wholly opposed to any graven images or false idols (Exodus 20:4-5)—God, who for all intents and purposes is an iconoclast—allows himself to be represented by living, breathing images: you and me. The infinite God chose to make for himself embodied agents in finite, physical, and imperfect human beings. In other words, you are a living statue of God.

Each of us, with all our uniqueness and differences, is a small representation of God. Therefore, when people—women, children, ethnic minorities, and others—are abused and degraded, God’s heart is grieved. For within each one of those mistreated souls lies the precious image of God.

Though the imago Dei within us cannot be lost, we oftentimes allow others to make us feel like it is. The false narratives we’ve been given about our identity and our place in this world cause us to hide the parts of us that God made uniquely; parts that reveal a glimpse of God every time they see the light.

It can be hard to live in such a way that you allow the imago Dei within you and within others to be seen, honored, and celebrated. And yet there is nothing truer about us than how we were made: in God’s very own image. A representation of who God is, right here in tangible presence. Shine forth bravely who you are, sharing your voice, your gifts, and yourself. You are offering the world a picture of God. In a world easily distracted by counterfeits, show the people around you a living statue of the one true God.

Ask

• What are some ways God has made you unique? How does that reveal a piece of who God is?
• What reflections of God does the world need right now? How can you manifest the presence of the Lord in your sphere of influence?
• Why does understanding the imago Dei matter so much in this cultural moment? How can the church help to honor the God-given uniqueness in all humanity? In what ways has the church failed in this? Where do you see hope and change?

Pray

Lord, let me be your living statue. Let the imago Dei within me shine forth, giving others a glimpse of who you are in how you’ve made me. Let them see you in my voice, my creativity, my leadership, my gifts, and my faith in Jesus. Let them see it in how I handle my pain and my struggles. Let them see it in all the ways I hold space in this world. In your name, Amen.