Identity = Vision
God created the man in his image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. (Genesis 1:27) simply means God created humans as valuable, worthy and good. Therefore, humans shouldn’t have to prove their worth in order to be treated with dignity.
Humans are innately valuable. Just as in a court of law, we presume that one is considered innocent until proven guilty, humans are worthy until proven otherwise. No babies are born foul. All humans have inalienable value.
One crucial implication of humans bearing the image of God is that it speaks volumes about the purpose of life.
At one point in time, we all have asked this question:
What’s the purpose of life?
This is a profound question that deserves our attention.
If we can indulge in the fact that we bear the image of God, our purpose then is to live it out, to “image” that image of God.
When we image that which is good, that which is right, and that which is beautiful in our life, we are indeed reflecting the image of God.
- When we show love and joy in our everyday life, we are imaging God.
- When we are patient with the inevitable and remain peaceful at the hands of the oppressors, we are imaging God.
- When we are kind and gentle to others, we are imaging God.
- When we set an example of what it means to be good where evil is the norm, we are imaging God.
- When we are demonstrate faithfulness when it’s not expected, we are imaging God.
- When we do our best to endure and control ourselves in the midst of hardship, we are imaging God.
A purpose of life is to live out our identity.
Don’t focus on whether you achieve this result or that goal.
Focus on becoming the person God created you to be.
Know that you are infinitely loved, forgiven, accepted and valued by God. Live each moment with that assurance. This is who you are. And live out your identity with intention.
