God’s CreationSample

The Image of God—Design for Human Dignity

The Creator said, “Let Us make people according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Humans alone, among all creatures, are capable of sustained thought, creativity, and the awareness of God. Animals were given instincts that motivated their activities. Still, God conferred upon people the gifts of thought and moral choice, the ability to do right or wrong, to obey or disobey. This freedom distinguishes humanity from other created beings.

Human dignity is established by the image of God that is stamped upon every individual. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, dignity is the quality of being worthy, honored, or esteemed. You are worthy. You are honored. You are esteemed. You didn’t need to do anything to receive this honor. It is yours because you were created in God’s image. He has given you value. He made you with the personality and characteristics you have. In fact, He planned you. Psalm 139:13–16 puts it this way:

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

We must see ourselves as God originally designed us, as His offspring. He created us a little lower than Himself, in His own image and likeness (Psalm 8:5; Genesis 1:27).

Why did God create humanity with such lofty and noble attributes? Scripture teaches us that God is love (1 John 4:8). Love requires expression. Love takes initiative. People were created to be in relationship with God as their Father (Ephesians 1:4; 3:14–15). Love fashioned the earth to be humanity’s garden of discovery where man and woman would experience the goodness of their Creator, explore the wonders of relationship with Him, and express His life and presence on Earth.

God, You invested your love and creativity in human beings. You made us in Your image and gave us worth. Help me see and appreciate Your workmanship, Your artistry.