How To ThriveSample

How To Survive THRIVE - Physically

Day 1: In the Image of God

I love reading the two stories of creation in Genesis 1 and 2.  It is so beautifully written and speaks of a creative God that is the source of everything that is beautiful.  The two accounts of the creation of humanity while on the surface might seem to contradict each other, but together they bring such a beautiful picture of who we are as human beings.  

In Chapter 1 it speaks of the fact that we are created in the image of God - both male and female.  There is no reference to hierarchy or dominance here but rather an equality that we are all created in the image of God.  

The implications of my body - my existence - bearing the image of God is mind boggling.  I see a God that is creative and I carry that image.  I see a God that is relational (let us create man in our image) and I carry that image.  I see a God that is love and I carry that image.  But it’s not just me.  Everybody I see, everybody I rub shoulders with, everybody I disagree with - they all carry the same image of God.  Everyone has value and worth because of that one fact!  

But then in the creation story in Chapter 2, it uses the imagery of God breathing life into humanity.  I can’t imagine a more beautiful picture.  Scientists tell us that we take around 23,000 life-giving breaths every day.  It’s as if I am breathing in the life of God every time!  

Not only do we bear the image of God, and not only breathe in life from God, but we are created for a purpose.  We have a role in this world.  And in all of that, we are deeply connected as human beings.  Deeply connected to God, to each other and to the world around us.  

So today as you go about doing whatever it is that you do, be incredibly mindful that you are an image bearer of God.  What does that mean as you approach the next meeting, or as you wait for your child to wake from their nap, or as you meet a friend for coffee?

Secondly, stop a few times today and observe your breathing.  Picture this beautiful image of God breathing life into you.  

In a world that is seemingly more disconnected every day,  realize that the truth is that we are all deeply connected and then find new ways to live out that connection.

Written by Skip Collins | uMhlanga Campus Pastor