What I’m Reading…In His Image
How often do you look in the mirror daily? Make up, check. Hair, check. Outfit for the day, check. Those are the outward images of who we are. But what about inside? What image are we seeking to mirror? Are we daily reflecting Christ’s image as we walk through our day?
One of my favorite Bible teachers and authors is Jen Wilkin. I recently finished her latest book, In His Image, and have been challenged to ask that very question.
The introduction got my attention with its title, “Asking the Better Question.” Jen encourages us to stop asking, “What is God’s will for my life” and ask instead, “Who should I be?” God’s purpose for us is clear in Scripture. It’s more about becoming better people than about making better choices. Our choices are important, of course, but as we become better people, sanctified continually by the Holy Spirit, then we make better choices.
I love how Jen says that God’s will is in plain sight. He doesn’t hide it from us. As we get to know Him better, we are to bear His image as we live life and interact with others.
Although some of God’s character traits can never be ours (his omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, sovereignty), we are to strive throughout our lives to grow in the others: holiness, mercy, love, faith, patience, wisdom, truth, goodness, justice, grace.
Genesis 1:27 tells us we are God’s image bearer: “So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.”
Jen reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the living proof of God, the perfect image bearer, pure and imminently valuable, unsullied by sin…As we grow in holiness, love, goodness, justice, mercy, grace, faith, patience, truth and wisdom, we look increasingly like Christ, who looks exactly like God.” (p.152, 153)
Whose image do you seek to emulate today? God’s will is clear…it’s to be like Christ. Ask Him today how you can grow in Christlikeness so that you can reflect in His image to a world who needs to know His love.
Photo by Studio 7042
Banner photo by Jovis Aloor on Unsplash mirror in grass
