What does the Bible have to say about the work God has uniquely equipped you to do?
“Then God said,
“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Most of the believers have heard the concept of the "image of God," but only a few grasp the significance of its meaning.
The image of God is a foundational concept for understanding our significance and purpose. For understanding the significance for our life and work.
In Genesis 1:26-28, we see that human beings are created in the image of God. Our worth is connected to God’s creation. If God is greatly and inestimably worthy, then human beings (us) are of great value, too.
But what does it mean for our work?
Being created in the image of God provides the basis for our work and vocation (calling). If we are made in His image, we share His characteristics. For instance, if we see the creativity in His creation and everything he has created, we can be creative in our work too. In fact, we are called to such a creativity.
Knowing the basis for our dignity and worth, helps us believe that we have gifts and talents. I know many people who haven’t discovered their calling because they think they don’t have anything to offer. They don’t believe they have dignity and worth and fail to recognise their God-given gifts as a result. Just like me a year ago. I was one of those people once.
Rediscovering a biblical perspective of work begins with an understanding of who we are and where we came from. It begins with knowing that we are made in God’s image.
Although we are made in the "image and likeness of God", and where ever we go and whatever we do, we represent God’s image on earth, we turned away from God and sinned. Human beings broke that relationship and partnership with God causing us to end in brokenness. But God became flesh and human and came to save and free us. He became the shape of a human, as a servant and died for us, so that we can have a divine relationship with our Sovereign God.
It also shows that human beings carry the image of God, as Jesus became human in the same image.
Understanding of who we are and where we came from implicate being created in God’s image. It helps us to have a different purpose in our life, work, and community.
What implications do you think the image of God has for your work, purpose, and significance?
