Biblical Truths: Created in God's Image

It's Friday night as I write, fellowship is tomorrow. I'm enjoying the challenge of examining these Biblical Truths, but I have a hard time keeping it simple. I hope my examples help the women to understand the point.

As God’s creations we are created to glorify God. Many believe that we are God’s most important creation, that’s why he gave us the command to care for His world. Before we can fully enjoy and embrace our relationship with God we must confess our sin and understand that we are born with a sinful nature.

In today’s world this emphasis on sin is not an easy one to accept. Many people in the West believe “if it feels good, it must be right” or that everyone’s views should be accepted, though less and less time is given to the Christian view since it places God before anyone or anything.

I think one of the best things about living in an African culture is that African society has a better understanding of the importance of God and the need to keep God as a priority. Granted, equal time is often given to the Islamic tradition and the materialistic emphasis of developed nations is threatening Africa too, but at least respect is still usually given to God and His role in our life.

In the Lutheran faith, the Apostle’s Creed acknowledges our need for the “forgiveness of sin”. As Lutherans we understand that we are not perfect and that sin separates us from God’s love. Some people don’t like to admit sin dominates our human life, but it’s an easy concept for me to accept. If you consider a new baby and watch it during its early hours, days, and months you will notice how quickly even a newborn begins grabbing for whatever is in its reach and crying when it doesn’t get what it wants. From the beginning, we want to be #1 and dominate everyone’s attention. But its only through admitting our wrongdoing that we can find forgiveness.

Like a child, adults too always want more; more food, more power, more toys, etc. It isn’t until we realize that only God’s love will ever fully satisfy us that we can be content with the blessings God brings into our lives. We should also understand that God placed us here on earth with others and He calls us to live in community. Together we worship God and encourage one another in our walk with Him.  By placing Him before all and seeking His will, we slowly reflect His image in our lives and all we do. This third Biblical Truth challenges us to seek Him above all, in spite of our human nature to put ourselves first.