Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.1
Is this why we are so self-conscious of our image? We look at the mirror every chance we have; we pose our best and post only the choicest, filtered shot of ourselves in social media—bordering narcissism. We have a corrupted Imago Dei;2 we are groping for an identity yet futile. Only in Christ Jesus is this image renewed. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, . . . And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.3
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD; look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; . . . Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, . . .”4
To you I lift my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.5
Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—6 Paul admonished the Philippian church saying, Brothers join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.7
Shake yourself from the dust and arise; be seated, O Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.”8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.9
Finally, brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.10
Notes:
1. Genesis 1:26a, 27
2. Imago Dei, Latin for “made in God’s image”
3. Romans 8:29-30
4. Isaiah 51:1-2, 9, 17
5. Psalm 123:1-2, 7-8
6. Philippians 3:2-3
7. Philippians 3:17
8. Isaiah 52:2, 6
9. Proverbs 3:5-8
10. Philippians 3:1
