You are made in the image of the Creator of the world.
When God created you, in His image, He saw that you were good. He was pleased with His creation. He was pleased with you.
When I read Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” – I read it too quickly. I’ve heard it so many times. In some ways, the verse loses its significance to me.
I do this with a lot of Bible verses. I need to stop myself, slow myself back down. Look at the words again. Analyze the true meaning. What does it mean, to be created in the image of the God of the universe?
To be created in the image of God is to have an immense capacity for goodness and graciousness. It is to bear fruits of the Spirit, like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. It is to possess free will and the power of choice, to command creation in a way no other plant or animal can.
And, to be created in the image of God is to be created in the image of the Creator Himself. In other words: you were created to create.
Yet, so much of our time is spent consuming. We consume movies and advertisements and books and radio shows. You’re consuming this blog post right now. We spend so much of our time consuming that sometimes, we forget to create.
You might say, “Well, I’m not very creative. I’m not an artist.”
Guess what? I’m not exactly an artist either – not in the traditional sense of the word, at least. I’m just a person who loves words, and who loves putting them together to make something meaningful. You might not love words, but I bet God has given you some other love or gift that you can use to create.
Creators draw. They paint. They sculpt, sketch, design, knit, crochet, trace, take photographs, and write.
Creators make music. They play instruments or use their voices in song.
Creators teach. They make lesson plans and make up games to be used in the classroom.
Creators build. They design bridges and construct homes.
Creators act. They put together movies, musicals, plays, and skits. They make people laugh.
Creators study. They research new discoveries and build new theories.
You may think you’re not a creator, but take a look at your life. What are some ways you spend your time that involve action and the creation of a new thing? Perhaps you have a creator’s hobby, or even a creator’s occupation. That’s great! Expand on your art. Create, as God created you.
And never forget… you are onederfully created.
Love,
Becca
Great blog, Becca! I’m just getting started with my blog. I think you’ve done a wonderful job of spreading God’s Word. Amen
Thanks so much, Linda! That’s so kind and encouraging, I really appreciate it. Best of luck with your blog!
Great point! We’re creative because we were created in the image of a Creator. When people tell me they’re not naturally creative, I ask them, “Have you ever met a child who isn’t creative?” Such a shame that the world tries to squelch our creativity. Thanks for the reminder.
That’s such a great point! I teach kindergarten, and all my kiddos are so creative. Thanks for reading!
i love this article. It is absolutely beautiful. I’m a creative and this really hit home for me. I’d like to join your mailing list but there is no submit button in your sidebar to be added to your list.
Thank you so much, Jessica! That’s strange, I’ll definitely have to look into that, thanks for making me aware of that issue. In the meantime, you can subscribe directly at this link: https://mailchi.mp/4231c93a7b9b/onederfullycreated.
Great post! I recently heard a sermon on this very thing!! As children of God we should be creative! We just need to activate our faith and use it. It definitely changed my outlook of somethings so I can move my blog in a new direction.
Thanks, Takhia! I love the idea of activating our faith. Activate is a powerful word!
This is such a beautiful reminder to create. I too have to be reminded to slow down and go back over the Word to find hidden nuggets of truth to live by. I feel that your words today in this post helped me to do that and reminded me of my purpose in writing meaningful words as well. Thank you for this!
Yes! I think slowing down and really looking at God’s word is such an important practice. I’m so glad that these words encouraged you in your purpose today! Thanks for reading, friend 🙂
Great reminder to CREATE – I LOVE to create with God’s creation in the veggie garden or flower garden – it’s sooo soothing and satisfying – imagine what heaven will be like 🙂
Kathryn, that’s awesome! Planting flowers and veggies is a beautiful thing, and I’m glad it makes you happy! I can’t even imagine… it will be incredible beyond words, I’m sure!
Words so true Becca! I host a monthly Bible Art Journaling gathering and there is always someone who says “I’m not crafty” or “I can’t draw a thing” or “I’m not creative”, and I reply “pray on what God is inspiring you to do” and later these ladies always create something so powerful and deep that it’s nothing about the art or creation itself, but what God is doing through them. The art or creation is just the medium to how it’s presented!
Christa, I love that! I’m definitely in that category of someone who’d be saying “I can’t draw a thing”… but we’re all creatively gifted in our own unique ways. I absolutely love how you describe this though… the art is just the medium used to present what God is doing through us!
Great post, I love the statement To be created in the image of God is to have an immense capacity for goodness and graciousness. – We are created in his image and granted the right to create. May God bless you abundantly!
Thanks so much, Jessy! Many blessings to you as well 🙂
I’ve fallen in love with your blog and today’s message was another reminder of our greatness only because of our Creator. Like you, I often quickly skim a verse without diving deeper and unpacking the true meaning. This was a reminder to dig deeper than surface level.. have a beautiful week!
Gloria, thank you so much for your sweet words! I’m so glad this message resonated with you today. I hope you have a lovely week as well!
This is a great post! I’m a creator!!! Yes! God has given me many ways to be creative: writing, music (I sing & play guitar), papercrafting, coloring, drawing, bible journaling, teaching…what a wonderful gift He’s given me! Thanks for the reminder, as most of the time, I don’t even think of myself as being a creator! I hope you visit me on my blog!
Sally, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! What beautiful creative gifts you’ve been given 🙂 Thanks so much for reading, I look forward to checking out your blog as well!
Hello well said, Becca. In my prayers, I’m always asking God to help me be more creative. We are all created with gifts to create.
That’s such a sweet prayer! Yes, we absolutely are. Thanks for reading!